The term 'Boleyn or Bancroft' refers to two prominent figures in English history. ANNE Boleyn was the second wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I. She was executed in 1536 after being accused of adultery and treason. William Bancroft was an English statesman and politician who served as Prime Minister from 1885 to 1886. He was a major figure in the Liberal Party and was known for his reformist policies.