Anne of Cleves
Anne of Cleves (1515–1557) was a German noblewoman who became the fourth wife of Henry VIII of England in 1540.
Anne of Cleves (1515–1557) was a German noblewoman who became the fourth wife of Henry VIII of England in 1540. Her marriage was annulled after about six months, and she later lived quietly in England as the king's "beloved sister."
What it is
Anne of Cleves was born into the House of Cleves in Düsseldorf, part of the Holy Roman Empire. She married Henry VIII on 6 January 1540 as part of a diplomatic alliance, but the marriage was annulled in July 1540. She was never crowned queen.
Why it matters
Anne's story is a key part of Tudor history, illustrating how royal marriages were used for political alliances. After the annulment, she remained in England with a settlement, avoiding the fates of Henry's other wives. Her life offers a quieter contrast to the drama of the Tudor court.
Key details
Anne died on 16 July 1557 in London and was buried at Westminster Abbey. She is often described as Henry VIII's fourth wife. For Canadian readers, she appears in school curricula and heritage contexts as part of broader European history.
In short
- Fourth wife of Henry VIII, married January 1540 and annulled July 1540.
- Never crowned queen; lived in England after annulment.
- Died 1557 and buried at Westminster Abbey.
Anne of Cleves is mainly of historical interest to Canadian readers as part of Tudor and European history taught in schools and covered in museum and heritage contexts.
Quick questions
Who was Anne of Cleves?
Why was the marriage annulled?
Where is Anne of Cleves buried?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_of_ClevesSupports: Birth and death dates; identification as Henry VIII’s fourth wife; marriage dates.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anne-of-Cleves-queen-of-EnglandSupports: Biographical overview; death date and place; role as fourth wife of Henry VIII.
- Westminster Abbey — https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/royals/anne-of-cleves-4th-wife-of-henry-viiiSupports: Birth place and date; marriage date; annulment; burial at Westminster Abbey.
- History.co.uk — https://www.history.co.uk/biographies/anne-of-clevesSupports: Birth in Cleves; life after annulment; later public appearances and death.
- History Hit — https://www.historyhit.com/who-was-anne-of-cleves/Supports: Identity, marriage, annulment, and post-annulment status as Henry VIII’s sister.