Tudor Minute July 9: Anne of Cleves is a Single Lady

by englandcast Admin July 09, 2019

--- Hey, this is Heather from the Renaissance English History Podcast, and this is your Tudor Minute for July 9. Today in 1540 the marriage of Henry VIII and his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves was declared null and void. Just about six months old, Henry’s ministers found that there was a precontract between Anne and the Marquis of Lorraine, and since the marriage was never consummated, it wasn’t valid.

They said that Henry was free to marry again, as was Anne. Anne received a large settlement and had prominence at court just under the King’s wife and daughters. Henry married Catherine Howard, his fifth wife, less than three weeks later.

That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com, where there is an episode on Anne of Cleves.

Links:
Anne of Cleves Episode
Alison Weir on Anne of Cleves

From the Shop:
Anne of Cleves Best Life Tshirt