Anne of Cleves

Anne was born in 1515 in the small north

German state of Cleves (close to the border
of Holland).
Her parents were John III of Cleves and
Marie of Julich.
Anne married Henry in 1540 to form a tie
between England and the Protestant
princess of Germany.
After only six months Henry found the
political alliance was no longer be in his
favour and so they divorced the same year.
She died in 1557.
Her married life
Henry was considering her as his
fourth wife. He valued education and
cultural sophistication in women, but
Anne had received no formal
education, although but she was skilled
in needlework and liked playing card
games. She could read and write, but
only in German. However, Anne was
considered gentle, virtuous, and docile,
qualities that made her a suitable
candidate for Henry.
Anne was described by the French
ambassador, Charles de Marillac, as
tall and thin, "of middling beauty, and
very safe and resolute countenance".
She is said to have had a lovely face.
In the words of the chronicler Edward
Hall 'her hair hanging down, it was just
yellow and long . It she seemed more
solemn by English standards, and
looked old for his her age.
Divorced
They were married on January 6, 1540.
The phrase "God send me well to
keep" was engraved around Anne's
wedding ring. Henry wanted to break
the link but did not want to be violent or
unjust with Anne. So he ordered Anne
to leave the court on June 24 and on
July 6 she was informed of her
husband's decision to reconsider the
marriage. Soon after, they asked Anne
for her consent for an annulment, to
which she agreed. The marriage was
annulled on July 9, 1540.