Historical Figure
Anne of Cleves
d. 1557
Queen of England in 1540
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Biography
Anne of Cleves was Queen of England from 6 January to 12 July 1540 as the fourth wife of Henry VIII. Born in Düsseldorf to the House of La Marck, little is known about Anne before 1527, when she became betrothed to Francis, Duke of Bar, son and heir of Antoine, Duke of Lorraine, although their marriage did not proceed.
Timeline
The story of Anne of Cleves, told in moments.
Hans Holbein the Younger painted her portrait for Henry VIII. The king liked what he saw. He'd never met her in person.
Married Henry VIII at Greenwich Palace. The king told Thomas Cromwell he found her so unlike her portrait that he couldn't consummate the marriage. "I liked her before not well, but now I like her much worse."
Marriage annulled after just six months. She agreed without protest. Henry gave her Hever Castle, a generous income, and the title "The King's Beloved Sister." Smart move.
Thomas Cromwell, who'd arranged the match, was beheaded for treason. Anne kept her head. She outlived both Cromwell and Henry.
Died at Hever Castle, around age 41. She'd outlived Henry and all his other wives. The only one of his six queens to be buried in Westminster Abbey.
Artifacts (15)
Portrait Miniature of Anne of Cleves (1515-1557), set in a turned ivory box
Hans Holbein
Portrait Anne of Cleves by Hans Holbein the Younger (Louvre)
Hans Holbein the Younger
Portraits Anne of Cleves; Edward VI (England)
#Wenzel_Hollar_Stecher_in
Anne of Cleves - Hans Holbein the Younger
Hans Holbein the Younger
Cabinet des singularitez dárchitecture, peinture, sculpture, et graveure (IA cabinetdessingul00leco 1)
Le Comte, Florent, -1712
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