Biography
Biography
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Anne (of Cleves)

 Born22 September 1515   Born At
 Died16 July 1557  Buried At
 Born22 September 1515 / 
 Died16 July 1557 / 
nne was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII. It had been two years since the death of Jane Seymour when the marriage to Anne was suggested by Thomas Cromwell. A marriage to the sisters of the Dukes of Cleve would create a strong European political alliance. In order for Henry to see what Anne and her sister Amelia looked like the artist Hans Holbein was sent to paint their portraits. The painting of Anne was flattering and Henry agreed to the marriage. When Henry saw Anne, who arrived in England on the 1st of January 1540, he was disappointed that the she did not look like her portrait. At first he wanted to cancel the wedding but the organisation had gone too far and so the marriage took place on the 6th of January. The marriage was a marriage in name only and Henry sought the means to have a divorce. He even unkindly called Anne 'The Flander's Mare'. Anne understood the situation and accepted the divorce along with a good income and the use of several homes including Hever Castle. Anne died on the 16th or 17th of July 1557.

Related Episodes

Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Day Queen (click here)

Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Day Queen (click here)

Henry VIII and his Six Wives (click here)

Henry VIII and his Six Wives (click here)

 

Family Tree Details

 Anne (of Cleves) (b.1515 - d.1557)
    +Henry (VIII, King of England 1509-1547) (b.1491 - d.1547)
 Anne (of Cleves) (b.1515 - d.1557)
    +Henry (VIII, King of England 1509-1547) (b.1491 - d.1547)

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    1515

    Anne of Cleves was born in Dusseldorf, Germany.

    1539(Age: 24yrs)

    Anne of Cleves left Calais and sailed across the Channel to England where she travelled on to Deal Castle.

    1540(Age: 25yrs)

    The King met Anne of Cleves at Rochester Castle before moving on to Greenwich in preparation for their marriage.

    King Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves were married. Although Henry was disappointed that Anne did not resemble her portrait the marriage went ahead as planned.

    The marriage of King Henry VIII to Anne of Cleves was annulled just a few months after the marriage. Anne agreed to an annual income and the use of several lavish homes in England.

    Just weeks after the marriage to Anne of Cleves was annulled, King Henry VIII married Catherine Howard his fifth wife.

    1553(Age: 38yrs)

    Mary Tudor arrived at London to a huge welcome. Entering through Aldgate she was met by Elizabeth, Anne of Cleves and many others. Mary quickly ordered the release of her supporters that had been locked up at the Tower of London. The Duke of Northumberland and his supporters were placed in the Tower of London to await trial and execution.

    1557(Age: 42yrs)

    Anne of Cleves died. Since the divorce from King Henry VIII Anne had been given a good annual income and use of several homes.

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