Mary Boleyn, also known as Lady Mary, (c. 1499 – 19 July 1543) was the sister of English queen consort Anne Boleyn, whose family enjoyed considerable influence during the reign of King Henry VIII.
In 1522, Mary became the mistress of King Henry VIII. The affair lasted for several years, and it is rumored that Mary may have borne two of the king's children. However, Henry did not acknowledge either child, and Mary was eventually forced to give up her position as mistress.
In 1534, Mary married William Stafford, a soldier from a good family but with few prospects. This marriage was secret, and it angered both King Henry VIII and her sister, Queen Anne. Mary was banished from the royal court, and she spent the remainder of her life in obscurity. She died in 1543 at the age of 44.
