Establish the historical boundary
Anne Boleyn was arrested on 2 May 1536 and executed on 19 May. Charges made against her must not be repeated as established facts. Historic Royal Palaces examines her fall and the proceedings.
This exercise imagines a decision around the proceedings; it is not a newly discovered account of what Thomas Cromwell privately thought or said.
The challenge
Write a fictional memorandum considering whether to question the case against Anne. You may adopt the perspective of an imagined adviser rather than impersonating a historical person whose motives cannot be known with certainty.
Separate three issues: the evidence presented, the wishes of those in power and the personal consequences of dissent. Do not assume that one official could simply overturn the king’s intentions without resistance.
Give the argument substance
Identify what would need to be checked before accepting an allegation. What testimony exists? Could it be challenged? Who controls the proceedings? Use the historical account to establish context, then make clear where your alternative path begins.
Avoid writing a fictional confession as if it were an authentic document. If your scene contains dialogue, label it as invented.
Explore consequences carefully
An intervention might fail, alter the proceedings or change the adviser’s own position. It does not automatically determine the whole course of the English Reformation or Elizabeth’s later reign.
Finish with one plausible outcome and one competing possibility. Include a source note explaining what evidence would strengthen or weaken your scenario.
Participation
This is an evergreen writing prompt, not an active prize competition. No deadline, judging panel or prize is attached. Label invented events and dialogue and include a short source note.
Editorial review
Reviewed on 26 September 2026. Clarified the status of the accusations and limits of the fictional premise; removed unsupported prize and deadline commitments.