The first major biography of Henry VIII least favourite wife - but the
one who outlived them all. 'I like her not!' was the verdict of Henry
VIII on meeting his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, for the first time.
Anne could have said something similar on meeting Henry and, having been
promised the most handsome prince in Europe, she was destined to be
disappointed in the elderly and corpulent king. Henry also felt that
Anne was not as she had been described, complaining that he had been
sent a Flander's mare. Forced to proceed with their wedding for
diplomatic reasons, Henry and Anne tried to make the best of the
situation, but attempts to consummate the match were farcical. Henry
could not bring himself to touch his new bride and Anne, entirely
ignorant of such matters, did not even notice that there was a problem.
After only seven months of marriage Henry was so desperate to rid
himself of Anne that he declared himself impotent in order to secure a
divorce. Anne was also eager to end her marriage and, with her clever
handling of Henry obtained one of the biggest divorce settlements in
English history. Following her divorce, Anne made good use of her many
properties, including Richmond Palace, Hever Castle and the house at
Lewes now known as 'Anne of Cleves' House'. Anne of Cleves is often
portrayed as a stupid and comical figure. The real Anne was both
intelligent and practical, ensuring that, whilst she was queen for the
shortest period, she was the last of all Henry VIII's wives to survive.
Henry's chief minister, Thomas Cromwell lost his head for his role in
the Cleves marriage, but Anne's shrewdness ensured she kept hers. Even
after Henry's death, Anne managed to work to her own advancement,
attempting to annul her divorce in order to ensure her financial
security as a dowager queen. Anne of Cleves led a dramatic and often
dangerous life but, for all this, of Henry VIII's six wives, she is
truly the wife that survived.
