George Boleyn’s Spirit

The spirit of George Boleyn, 2nd Viscount Rochford and beloved brother of Anne Boleyn, has been identified as residing within the walls of Hever Castle. Unlike his famous sister’s melancholic apparition, George’s presence is described as protective and watchful, a guardian spirit maintaining vigil over the family’s ancestral home.

Historical Connection

George Boleyn was born around 1504 at Hever Castle, making it his childhood home alongside his sister Anne. As the son of Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire, George grew up in the castle’s privileged surroundings and received an excellent education. He became a courtier, diplomat, and poet, serving King Henry VIII with distinction until his downfall became intertwined with his sister’s fate.

When Anne Boleyn fell from grace in 1536, George was arrested on trumped-up charges of adultery with his sister and treason. Despite the lack of credible evidence, both siblings were executed within days of each other in May 1536 - George on 17 May and Anne on 19 May. The brutal end to their lives at such a young age (George was approximately 32) created powerful emotional ties that many believe anchor his spirit to Hever.

Medium’s Identification

In 2013, renowned medium and author Rob Gutro visited Hever Castle and immediately sensed a strong spiritual presence. Surprisingly, rather than detecting Anne Boleyn’s famous ghost, Gutro identified the spirit as that of George Boleyn. This unexpected revelation was particularly significant given Gutro’s expertise in spirit communication and his authorship of several respected books on the subject.

Gutro described George’s presence as distinctly protective, suggesting that the brother who could not save Anne in life continues to watch over their family home in death. This protective nature aligns with historical accounts of George’s devotion to his sister and his attempts to defend her during their trials.

Characteristics of the Haunting

Unlike Anne’s melancholic appearances, George’s spiritual presence is characterised by:

Protective Energy: Visitors and staff have reported sudden feelings of safety or protection in areas of the castle, particularly in rooms that would have been part of the family’s private quarters during the Tudor period.

Watchful Presence: Many describe the sensation of being observed, but in a benevolent rather than threatening manner, as if someone is ensuring their wellbeing.

Temperature Variations: Sudden, unexplained temperature changes that seem to occur when discussing the Boleyn family’s history or when visitors show particular interest in learning about their story.

Evidence and Sightings

While George’s presence is less visually dramatic than his sister’s appearances, the evidence for his haunting is compelling:

Professional Medium Identification: Rob Gutro’s immediate and confident identification of George’s spirit carries significant weight given his established credentials and published works on spirit communication.

Consistent Protective Feelings: Multiple visitors have independently reported similar sensations of protection and benevolent observation, particularly in areas associated with the Boleyn family.

Historical Emotional Connection: The powerful bond between George and Anne, combined with their shared tragic fate, provides a strong psychological and emotional foundation for his continued presence at their childhood home.

Distinguished from Anne’s Haunting: The fact that an experienced medium identified George rather than the more famous Anne suggests a genuine spiritual encounter rather than suggestion or expectation.

The Brother’s Vigil

George Boleyn’s spiritual presence at Hever Castle represents a touching continuation of the protective role he played in life. Historical records show that he was a devoted brother who supported Anne throughout her rise and remained loyal even unto death. His identification at the castle suggests that this devotion transcends mortality, with George maintaining an eternal watch over the place where the Boleyn siblings knew their happiest days.

The spirit’s protective nature offers comfort to many visitors, who sense that the castle remains under the caring supervision of one who truly belonged there. In death, as in life, George Boleyn continues to guard what was precious to him - his family’s memory and their beloved home.