Anne Norton was born on January 5, 1576, in Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, England. She was one of six children born to Thomas and Margaret Norton. Later in her life, people began to question her background, and rumors spread that she was the illegitimate daughter of Simon Forman, a London apothecary and astrologer who had a questionable reputation.

Anne grew up to be considered a beautiful woman. She married George Turner, a physician, but he died in 1610. After his death, she became the mistress of Sir Arthur Mainwaring. At some point in her life, Anne became a waiting woman, which means she was a companion to Frances Howard.

During this time, Frances Howard had fallen in love with Robert Carr, who was the king's favorite. They began exchanging romantic letters. Frances was married to the Earl of Essex, but she refused to sleep with him, possibly hoping for an annulment. This created tension because while Frances wanted to marry Carr, Sir Thomas Overbury, who was Carr's mentor, did not approve of the match.

Anne Turner had connections in London, including running businesses that catered to couples looking to meet in secret. She supplied goods that were popular at the time, including a saffron-based starch used to color collars and ruffs, which were fashionable.

Anne's life intersected with important events in the royal court. She helped Frances Howard by connecting her with Simon Forman for love potions and poisons. These poisons were later used in a plot that would lead to significant consequences in their lives and the lives of those around them.

Anne Turner was involved in the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury in 1613. Overbury was arrested under suspicious circumstances, and Frances Howard, who wanted to marry Robert Carr, saw an opportunity. She needed Overbury removed because he opposed their marriage.

Turner had connections to both the court and the darker parts of London society. She ran establishments where people could meet for illicit interactions. She also provided Frances Howard with poisons from an apothecary named Franklin. The poisons included arsenic and other deadly substances. The poisons were mixed into tarts and jellies that were given to the gaoler, Richard Weston. They were then delivered to Sir Gervase Helwys, who was the Lieutenant of the Tower. Overbury consumed these treats and died in September 1613.

Following the murder, Frances Howard was able to annul her marriage to the Earl of Essex and marry Robert Carr. Two years later, the crime came to light. Turner, Helwys, and the others involved were arrested, and their trial took place under the supervision of Sir Edward Coke and Sir Francis Bacon. Anne Turner confessed her part in the murder when presented with evidence against her.

Chief Justice Coke condemned her, labeling her with many harsh terms. He sentenced her to be hanged. Turner was executed at Tyburn on November 15, 1615. Uncoincidentally, her hangman wore the same yellow starch she had famously used in the collars and ruffs of her fashion designs. After her execution, her body was transported to St Martin-in-the-Fields church for burial. She left behind three illegitimate children from her relationship with Arthur Mainwaring.