Anne Boleyn

Despite the fact there was no credible evidence against her, Anne Boleyn was convicted of treason and adultery in 1536.

But in 1820, George IV was unable to secure a divorce from Caroline of Brunswick, even though she probably had taken other lovers. The evidence just wasn’t sufficient for the courts and Caroline’s association with a popular political cause made Parliament reluctant to act.

And of course, in 1820, while Caroline’s adultery created the legal possibility of a divorce, George’s blatant cheating did not. This is something that the law would change decisively in the century that followed.

“The past is a foreign country” is a useful expression. It reminds us that attitudes and expectations were different in years gone by.

“The past is many different foreign countries” would be an even better proverb. It would remind us that each epoch of history had it’s own distinct worldview.

“History” is not a block colour but a patchwork of shades and patterns.