Who was Anne of Cleves?
Anne of Cleves was queen of England as the fourth wife of Henry VIII, reigning from the 6th of January to the 12th of July 1540. She was born in Düsseldorf, the daughter of John III, Duke of Cleves, and Maria of Jülich-Berg.
Questions about Anne of Cleves
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was Anne of Cleves born and when did she die?
Anne of Cleves was born in 1515, on either the 28th of June or the 22nd of September. She died at Chelsea Old Manor on the 16th of July 1557, at the age of 41 or 42.
Why did Henry VIII annul his marriage to Anne of Cleves?
Henry VIII had the marriage annulled on the 12th of July 1540 on the grounds of non-consummation and Anne's earlier pre-contract to Francis of Lorraine. Witness statements from courtiers and two physicians described Henry's disappointment in her appearance, and Anne herself consented to the annulment.
Why was Anne of Cleves called the King's Beloved Sister?
After the annulment, Henry gave Anne a generous settlement, including Richmond Palace and Hever Castle, and treated her as an honorary member of his family. In gratitude for her not contesting the annulment, he decreed she would rank above every woman in England except his own wife and daughters, and she became known as the King's Beloved Sister.
Where is Anne of Cleves buried?
Anne of Cleves is buried at Westminster Abbey, where she was interred on the 3rd of August 1557. Her tomb sits on the opposite side of Edward the Confessor's shrine and has been described as somewhat hard to find.
How did Henry VIII first meet Anne of Cleves in person?
Henry VIII met Anne of Cleves privately at Rochester Abbey on New Year's Day 1540, arriving in disguise as part of a courtly-love tradition. Their official meeting followed on the 3rd of January at Blackheath, outside the gates of Greenwich Park.