May 19, 1536, Execution of Anne Boleyn-Her ladies removed her headdress and necklaces, and then tied a blindfold over her eyes as she knelt upright in the French style for execution by the sword. Anne Boleyn was executed by French expert swordsman Jean Rombaud. According to Eric W. Ives, Rombaud was so taken by Anne, that he was shaken.