Could ANNE OF CLEVES have remarried? Six wives documentary. The story of the Tudors. Flander’s Mare

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2 жыл бұрын

Could ANNE OF CLEVES have remarried after her annulment? Best known as the fourth wife of Henry VIII, the story of the Tudors took an unexpected turn when the German Anne of Cleves was unceremoniously dumped by her husband in 1540 so that he could marry her lady-in-waiting, Katherine Howard. She had been Queen of England for barely six months. Anne never remarried, but could she have followed Henry’s example and done so if she’d wished and if so, at what point in time might she have been able to do this? In this six wives documentary from History Calling we’ll take an in-depth look at the annulment of Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves, examining the reasons the King claimed they weren’t married, including her childhood precontract with Francis I, Duke of Lorraine (who later married Christina of Denmark, Duchess of Milan), Henry’s inability to consummate the marriage and his reluctance to marry Anne in the first place. We’ll then ask whether Anne was free, according to the laws of England as well as those of the Catholic Church (which was the religion of most of Europe at this stage) to remarry and examine the practical and financial problems which would have ensued if she had tried to do so. We’ll also look at the life of Anne of Cleves after her annulment, consider why life as an unmarried woman in Tudor England may have been preferable to marriage and learn why she might rightfully be regarded as perhaps the greatest Tudor survivor.
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Пікірлер: 691

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Do you think Anne could have remarried and if so, at what point do you think she could have done so? Let me know below and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and check the DESCRIPTION BOX for more sources on Anne's life. You can also check out my PATREON site for extra perks at www.patreon.com/historycalling

@marianparoo1544 2 жыл бұрын

She had a great settlement, and saw what happened to unwanted wives. I don't think she was ready to take chance even with a German princling.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I wonder if that was the case too.

@alcachofa6863 2 жыл бұрын

What do you think is the reason for Anne attempting to remarry Henry and complaning that he didn't agree? We allways see Anne portrayed as the lucky wife who happily escaped Henry and yet she spent 6 years hoping to remarry this fat, sick, old man nearly twice her age after he publicly insulted her and had executed 2 of his wives. While i do like Anne i can't help but feel a bit of concern for her supposed friendship with Catherine Howard when right after her death she moved to Richmond in hopes of remarrying Henry while she already lived in independent luxury without the pressure of giving birth to a son. Great video btw!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. I wonder if Anne still considered herself married to Henry in the eyes of God and if there was a bit of pride there too? After all, it must have been humiliating to have your marriage annulled after just 6 months because your husband said he'd never wanted you and couldn't bear to consummate the union. If Henry had taken her back, she basically could have said, 'see, he was wrong about me and he knows it'. Possibly there was family pressure from back home in Cleves too, though I'm just guessing.

@mssabin49 Жыл бұрын

@History Calling: I have greatly appreciated History Calling -- right up until I read yet another inane reference to Anne of Cleves as the "Flanders Mare." For me, it is a particular measure of how I regard the veracity of reports on Anne's life. The first comparison of Anne to said mare was made by the loud-mouthed, and often offensive buffoon, Gilbert Burnet, in 1679. Burnet was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1643 -- 96 years after Henry VIII's death. In short, Burnet was far removed from Henry in both time and distance and certainly did not bear witness to Henry's complaints about Anne's equine qualities. Moreover, Anne died about 86 years before Burnet's birth; thus, it's impossible for him to have viewed Anne in life, and quite unlikely that he ever met a direct witness to Anne's supposed draught-horse appearance. As a passionate historian and genealogist of 50 years, I am well aware of how misinformation and self-aggrandizing lies can assume lives of their own, most especially with regard to social media and an era where opinions are valued over facts. Sadly, promulgation of fabrications is widely accepted among less discerning students of History, but as responsible historians, we can certainly do better.

@gothmamasylvia462 2 жыл бұрын

I think she didn't remarry because she didn't want to. She was free, rich, and could do as she liked!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I'm sure those were strong motivations, especially after her bad experience with Henry.

@seaztheday4418 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, she had absolutely zero need to marry unless she wanted to lose everything she had to her new husband. We know women of the time were almost always considered an extension of a man (father, brother or husband), and yet Anne of Cleves had been handed the world on a gilded platter; all the freedoms given to a married woman without any of the bullshit of having to actually be married. She had more freedom, money and power than even widows did. She would have been the most powerful woman in England, besides Howard and Parr during their times as Queen.

@michellecrocker2485 2 жыл бұрын

I agree. She didn’t need the money or the prestige of remarrying

@jandrews6254 2 жыл бұрын

And god forbid she should have borne her second husband any sons!!!!!!!

@ariela.1752 2 жыл бұрын

If she remarried everything she had would belong to her husband not her.

@katiewray2525 2 жыл бұрын

I think Anne was clever and figured out quite quickly that Henry was a total psycho. She was very wise to just live a quiet life and stay out of his way.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. If most of the others (save Catherine of Aragon perhaps) had had that option, I think they would have jumped at it.

@lindaterrell5535 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling I read that he visited her for a weekend of decompressing now and then. Apparently Anne liked to fuss over him. And he like the homely quiet of her home.

@ladyfire44 2 жыл бұрын

That's what I was thinking. Anne of Cleves was very beautiful and Holbein's portrait confirmed it. It was heavily implied she heard rumors how Henry VIII treated his first three wives and hated him for it. Anne had her ladies in waiting make her look ugly to make sure he was disgusted by her appearance and couldn't marry her

@janicescott6713 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly what I think too.

@andrealuisecandido1154 2 жыл бұрын

in This days ThaT was noT very common To survive Henry VIII She AnnE of Cleve was very clever She survived This was no common ThaT This Happened even if here was no Henry VIII wife ShE was very clever man.y. years She lived after Henry VIII died.

@WhoTookMyMirr 2 жыл бұрын

"Poor Anne of Cleves, she never remarried after Henry and was all alone" "Sorry I can't hear you over my amazing palace in Richmond"

@angelwhispers2060 2 жыл бұрын

Precisely she was filthy stinking Rich she could show up to court with very little objection most days. Henry corresponded with her regularly and found her with quite charming. I believe that emotionally she remained attached to him and was quite sad that he did not return her affection at least initially. Giving him a quick annulment set her up pretty nicely for life and if she remained emotionally tied to him she would not have done anything to just please him even after the other Suitor had died. The fact that she even mentions at all that she sort of wishes Henry would take her back indicates to me that she was fond of him even if he wasn't fond of her. She was filthy rich and any marriage would have ended that having a lovely Palace to live in is really all a woman could have wanted and if she had no particular desire for children she was like a nun but even freer. She could buy books she could go see plays she could do as she pleased with a few sensible limitations. The only real restriction on her Freedom was the inability to leave England and go home

@EmpressMermaid Жыл бұрын

All that money and no man to answer to for how she spent it.

@navileblond9981 Жыл бұрын

@@angelwhispers2060 If we go by The Tudors they did in fact enjoy each others company, even one night of passion. But who knows. She was indeed the Luckiest one and the smartest. May she be at peace.

@elss8717 Ай бұрын

@@angelwhispers2060. I think she quickly figured out that flattering Henry was the way to deal with his narcissism. Clever.

@annbaker3142 2 жыл бұрын

I think that Henry would have stopped her remarrying no matter what! Could you imagine if she married and had a baby boy!!!! He would have gone crazy!!! Thank you for my Friday evening treat!! X

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. :-) Yes, I don't think he would have been crazy about the idea of her marrying someone else and potentially having sons, showing the world what a stupid move he'd made in leaving her.

@mangot589 2 жыл бұрын

I believe he said she COULD, but she’s a smart cookie and didn’t lol. I hadn’t really thought of the son thing though. That would have been interesting, to say the least!

@lynnereyes5125 2 жыл бұрын

I agree he would not liked it

@ladylightbug 2 жыл бұрын

Now that would have been a slap in the face lol

@juanitarichards1074 2 жыл бұрын

She actually was free to remarry. Henry Vlll included that in her privileges after the annulment was final.

@MichielBLKorte 2 жыл бұрын

In the words of Six the musical: "You could have all seen it coming: the savy, educated beautiful princess deemed repulsive by the overweight ulcer-riddled man 24 years her senior. Rejection! How can anyone overcome a fate as tragic as being forced to move into a splendid new palace with more money than I could spend in a lifetime and no husband to tell me what to do with it. It's just...tragic."

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I've still not seen Six, but it's on my to-do list. Everyone I talk to who has seen it gives is a great review.

@WintrBorn 2 жыл бұрын

The Anne of Cleeves song from Six is a favorite. I like to think that she was the period-appropriate version of that.

@annabeinglazy5580 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Anne's Part is hilarious. Im German (and grew up Lutheran Protestant) so the weird German references Made me snort with laughter. "Im a Wiener schnitzel, Not an english flower" is Just... The Image! I cant 😂 The London Cast is my favorite since they gave her that thick almost cockney accent and the attitude of Megan thee stallion. Love her

@youwhat. 2 жыл бұрын

Henry complaining about lack of consent is so ironic 🤦‍♀️

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

It really is, isn't it?!

@loracorwyn3713 2 жыл бұрын

I think she was just happy to be free of her mother and was happy to continue the life she was provided by Henry. Not everyone wants to get married and have children after all, she was just lucky to be able to live that life if that’s what she wanted.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think she must have had more freedom after the annulment than she'd ever had in her life before as well.

@RowanWarren78 2 жыл бұрын

Indeed, and I can see the fear of childbirth (so dangerous in that era) deterring me from wanting to marry at that point in my life. Even in this modern day, I am a woman who has never wanted children. I'm happily married, but our dog is plenty enough for us. ♥️🐶

@cherylhayden7363 2 жыл бұрын

She was never raised to want or to be happy, but to do her duty. How liberating this life must have been for her.

@troublemcallister730 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly! Especially in a time where the woman was seen as a possession, and even her children would be considered the husband's property if they parted. She'd brilliantly extricated herself from Henry; he ensured her a wonderful life to live as SHE wanted; in her shoes I would've done the same. Surrounded myself with servants I trusted and treat them as family, kept one eye on Henry, and then refused all further marriage attempts by mother by saying I was being 'loyal to the King who I admired immensely', to ensure I remained free and happy doing my own thing. It would've stroked Henry's ego, making him (as her refusal to remarry did) generous and given her the escape from her mother she needed. It was a win/win for Anne. I would argue that out of Catherine Parr and Anne of Cleves, it was Anne who was the real winner. By playing the long game and reading the room correctly, she got the life SHE wanted. Catherine was always just a pawn and only survived - in my opinion, at least - because Henry died first. Her life wasn't as free or without worries as Anne's was and she still died because of a man, it just wasn't Henry. Anne is my favourite of ALL of Henry's wives. Like them, she played the game to win, but SHE actually did (well, except for Catherine Howard who was just a 'Barbie in King Henry's Court' and didn't stand a chance). She understood how to play the long game, they didn't. Yeah, Anne of Cleves was BRILLIANT.

@jd-no7rw 2 жыл бұрын

While it's true that not everyone wants to get married and have children, and I'm sure that was true even then, it's not the same as today. She would have been raised with the understanding that she was required to do that in life. I doubt many women of the time period would have questioned it as that was what their lives were built around. Not fair, especially by today standards. She may have indeed wanted to have a husband and children, but was either thought she was still married (as suggested in the video), or was too intimidated by a capricious king to try. In the end, she did end up having a quiet, wealthy life, so she did end up winning in the end.

@lucyosborne9239 2 жыл бұрын

The more I learn about Anne of Cleves the more I'm starting to love her. She seems to me to be a mature woman with good sense, a steady head on her shoulders, and very canny about her situation and how to handle it. On a personal level, she was a huge cause of reconciliation between Henry's two daughters and showed grace, a loving heart, and very good sense. And Henry left her in a fabulous social situation of being his "sister" with a huge income and several staffed and luxurious residences. Why would she WANT to marry again? All that wealth and standing would have gone to her husband's family, and she would have become no better than a chair, legally speaking.

@amymahers2957 2 жыл бұрын

Anne of Cleves was not an immature school aged girl when she married Henry. She may have been innocent of marital things, but she was not a fool. She kept her mouth shut and was probably grateful she did not have to consummate the marriage, plus was rewarded to boot! She was a pretty savvy young woman. Thank you so much for your insights into these complicated and mysterious people. I so enjoy and appreciate your efforts. 😌

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Amy and I agree that she was clever and very fortunate to get away with having to be married to Henry for such a short period.

@noneofurbusiness5223 2 жыл бұрын

And maybe with her being innocent (@ 1st) she got good advise from her attendants.

@tdesq.2463 2 жыл бұрын

Very Good!

@lbr7035 2 жыл бұрын

She was raised in a country that frowned on females being able to read and think. She accepted the offer of marriage to get away from being a piece of property of her father. She probably didn't understand that her father was important. Everyone around her was more important than her---in her eyes. Simple things in a "lady's" world is what she would have been taught--nothing more. Traveling was what helped her understand that SHE was important. Taking on the agreement of a King seemed eye opening. She was probably impressively amazed! (Poor little rich girl...did good)

@tdesq.2463 2 жыл бұрын

@@lbr7035 I believe it's what we today refer to as "Gaming the System." And, yes ... of course the Woman was every bit important in Her own right. She was an anautonomous living being. And, as such, to be respected as an end in Herself ... Not subjugated to and for the convenience of any other. She, like You and I, are Not mere Property Items. Good Comment! ... TD, Boston

@janettemccubbin9009 2 жыл бұрын

I think Anne was, not only the luckiest wife, but also the most intelligent.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I certainly think she was the smartest in her handling of Henry; giving him what he wanted, then backing away to a minimum safe distance!

@cindyaraya7317 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Agee!

@roscluaran 2 жыл бұрын

Anne of Cleves got the best deal of all the wives.💜

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Head on shoulders, lots of money and a place at court when she wanted it. :-)

@tdesq.2463 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling 🤣🤣🤣 Head on shoulders. Yep, that's important.

@tdesq.2463 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!

@lbr7035 2 жыл бұрын

I think she had the only good deal out of everyone else!

@tdesq.2463 2 жыл бұрын

@@lbr7035 Damn Good Deal.

@katherinelydon7306 2 жыл бұрын

She was the smartest one of them all! To give him a divorce was brilliant!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I definitely think she made the right decision and was very clever in her handling of the whole situation.

@merricat3025 2 жыл бұрын

She didn't give him a divorce they got an annulment. I agree with you though she was smart. She never fought him on this.

@maggiesmith856 2 жыл бұрын

Her letter to him agreeing to the annulment was very tactful. To paraphrase : "This grieves me, because of my great love for you, but God's will be done." Then she signed it "Anna, daughter of Cleves" and enclosed her wedding ring. Henry decreed that henceforth she was his 'beloved sister', ranking below only his new queen, his daughters, and any future children of his.

@JellyFilledEmpanada 2 жыл бұрын

Tudor relationships really make me a appreciate the fact I'm happy being single

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, if the choice was singledom or Henry, I'd happily stay on the shelf as well, able to hold my head up high on my shoulders which, crucially, it would still be attached to!

@veronikav3126 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling , your sarcasm is just deligthful and very funny - both in the comments and the videos 😄Absolutely great channel 😊

@Nurichiri 2 жыл бұрын

Anne even owned a pub after the annulment. She was likely quite happy with her freedom and not having to give her riches to a husband. Interestingly her life not being tied to a husband could have helped convince her stepdaughter, the future Elizabeth I to never marry at all

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

It may indeed have influenced Elizabeth, though I also think seeing how badly her mother was treated must have had an impact.

@peadar-o 2 жыл бұрын

As she was the king’s sister, ceremonially, she would have needed Henry’s consent to marry. She also was a foreign princess, so she also needed her brother’s consent, and a dowry if she married a non-Englishman. If she left England, though her annulment settlement required her remaining in England to retain the income and properties.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I don't think a non-Englishman would have been on the table for her, as she couldn't leave the country and no foreign prince would have come to live there. Yes, she would have needed permission to marry from Henry at the very least and I doubt it would have been forthcoming. A dowry could potentially have been made up using her income from Henry.

@peadar-o 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Anne would have had to have the foresight to play the long game if she had wanted to leave England with a dowry of some sort. It is not as if she could have easily sold her property in England without Henry or his ministers finding out. She would have had to slowly smuggle her jewels out of the country, as well as her plate, and other valuables, bribing foreign visitors or with the help of her own German servants. Even if she then had been successful with that, the Lorraine and Henry betrothals/ marriages would have been a huge stumbling block, and could have soured relations for her new husband and his family at e.g. the Imperial Court if she would have (re)married to an Imperial Prince or Count. This is especially important as she and her sisters would have been co-heiresses to her brother's estates. As her mother had been the heiress to the duchy of Julich-Berg herself, I don't believe a potential new husband of Anne would have risked missing out on a part of or the entire inheritance if her brother would die without heirs himself, by marrying Anne without the proper consent and according to the Catholic Church. I believe she would have been made wise to these possible outcomes and decided to stay in comfort with her new family and enjoy the company of her one time stepchildren instead.

@tessat338 2 жыл бұрын

I can also see that, having once been the Queen of England, Anne would feel that any lesser marriage would be a step down for her in terms of rank and status. Also, having been burned once, she might not have been eager to put herself into the power of another man. She had a high rank, money and independence. There was no one of appropriate age in the kingdom to equal her and she couldn't leave England or bring in another foreign prince without someone to negotiate on her behalf.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I completely agree. For someone of her status, only another royal marriage would really do and there was no available suitor.

@hardyquinn9442 2 жыл бұрын

She could have said f*ck it and pulled a royal shotgun wedding not unlike Catherine of Valois&Owen Tudor🥂👑💜. Which is sort of an ironic observation to say the least, since they went on to start the Tudor dynasty that were talking about atm...strange coincidence. Im aware she didn't go on to do such a thing, this we know. I'm merely of the opinion that she very well could have found a way had she wanted to.

@Orphen42O Жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling She actually thought that she might remarry Henry after the death of Katherine Howard. Anne of Cleves judged herself more suitable than Catherine Parr, the woman he married as his sixth wife.

@ns-wz1mx 2 жыл бұрын

i don’t think henry would’ve ended up allowing her to remarry, but then again if i was her i wouldn’t give up that wealth and freedom for no man 😂

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I don't think he would have wanted her to remarry either. Even aside from the stories she might tell her husband about Henry's bedroom performance, keeping her unmarried meant that a lot of her income/property would make its way back to the Crown.

@ns-wz1mx 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling for sure!! she’d definitely have to share to share it all with a potential husband. I think it would’ve probably turned into a Mary Tudor sort of situation and they would have been fined and had to pay everything back that he had given her

@leticiagarcia9025 2 жыл бұрын

I see Anne of Cleves as someone who carefully thought things through. She didn’t fight Henry on the annulment. Anne clever with a good temper. A good temper is a huge plus for dealing with Henry VIII. Anne didn’t remarry because she didn’t want to temp fate. She lived a good and rich life. She was close with Henry’s children. She also had friends whom she entertained at Hever Castle. From many accounts she was known for her kindness. She was rewarded for being the only wife buried at Westminster Abbey. She is my second favorite wife. Thank you for another great video. I never considered this question. Very interesting. Have a great weekend.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Leticia, thanks for watching and I'm glad you liked the video. Yes, I think Anne was a savvy operator when it came to her dealings with Henry as well. Have a lovely weekend as well.

@cyana5867 2 жыл бұрын

Who was then your favorite wife?

@leticiagarcia9025 2 жыл бұрын

@@cyana5867 Anne Boleyn. I hold Catherine of Aragon and Catherine Parr in high esteem. I feel bad for Katherine Howard. Jane Seymour didn’t impress me. Who is your favorite wife?

@cyana5867 2 жыл бұрын

@@leticiagarcia9025 Let’s see . . . For being able to dance around Henry’s ego and his henchmen, I’d say Katherine Parr, and Anne of Cleves. For fun vivacity and being able to lead him to what she wanted with brains and good looks, then Anne Boleyn.

@mazzaf7575 2 жыл бұрын

She was known as ‘ the King’s beloved sister’ and was very well respected. I went to see The Mirror and The Light this week - I’m sure Hilary Mantel has taken some creative liberties but the play suggested that Anne of Cleves had been told Henry was a handsome prince and couldn’t hide her disgust and shock at his appearance when she actually met him. He saw her reaction and responded accordingly.

@csh43166 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe Anne could have remarried, but why would she want to?? Lol! She was one smart cookie, and had everything she needed and wanted. She was actually a very successful woman for her time. She is to be greatly admired and respected. Good for her!!!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I agree. She took lemons and certainly made some good lemonade. Of course it may be that she regretted not being able to marry and have children. We'll never know for sure. She did want to return to Cleves in later years, but wasn't allowed.

@cindyaraya7317 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling I do remember reading that she had wanted to return to Cleves in later years, but I have never understood she was allowed, since Henry was no longer alive to stop her from doing so from my understanding.

@EmpressMermaid Жыл бұрын

Unlike almost all women of her time, she did not need a husband.

@freedpeeb 2 жыл бұрын

Perhaps Anne had exactly what she wanted, female companionship, or love, lots of money and status and the secret triumph of having bested the monster she had been married to at the same time as freeing herself from the shackles of being a royal princess always in danger of being given to a man she could not tolerate. It is just another scenario.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I certainly hope she felt that way and was happy. There's always the chance of course that she wasn't happy about staying single, but we'll likely never know for sure.

@kentanderson1890 2 жыл бұрын

Well done! I've never seen the actual annulment statement in any reading I've done before. Quite interesting that it specifically says Anne was free to remarry! But, she was smart not to, I think. As you said, she was well off financially, was independent and lived as she wanted in England, and enjoyed a certain prestige as the King's "sister." That's way too good a gig to give up! I have often wondered, though, and haven't really ever seen this addressed, if Anne had any lovers at all in the remaining years of her life. If she did, she was obviously quite discreet about it. Excellent video on a unique topic.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kent. I'm glad you liked it. :-) There were some rumours spread about her that she'd had children out of wedlock, but there was never anything substantiated. I think it was just nasty gossip. I think Anne was too religious (and too clever) to go down that path. In that time period, it would have ruined her.

@kathleenem9207 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve done some reading about the whole Tudor period and all of Henry’s queens and believe that Anne was , if not the most educated and intelligent, the most savvy of them all. Once it was clear that Henry did not want her she went down the path of least resistance. This pleased Henry and he made it worth her while and I believe he eventually liked and respected her. As far as remarrying was concerned, marriage for nobility was a loveless chess game of improving one’s family’s situation. Why should she ever return to Cleves to become another marital pawn for her family when she had a relatively safe and comfortable life in England? Staying single also removed the dangers of childbirth- actually dying from complications and too many deliveries or producing a male heir.

@kate_cooper 2 жыл бұрын

Apparently, Edward, when he became king, learned that Thomas Seymour wanted to get married and suggested that he should marry Anne. Obviously it was Katherine Parr who Seymour wanted to marry but Edward missed the hint. But it must mean that Anne was legally able to marry otherwise he wouldn't have bothered suggesting it. I always assumed that she didn't because then she would lose all her money and estates to her husband and have to be reliant on him. If she stayed single, she stayed a wealthy independent woman in control of her own life and that was a rare thing at the time.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Oh yes, she could definitely have remarried by the time both Francis of Lorraine and Henry were dead.

@judyw5584 2 жыл бұрын

I like her, I think she was the smartest of Henry's consorts. she was treated terribly, but she fared best

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

She did indeed and I like her too :-)

@stephanieking4444 2 жыл бұрын

Ultimately, I believe Anna von Kleve never remarried because, in the circumstances she was in, that would have meant 1 - risking problems with Henry (who would have wanted to make any noise that potentially courted that risk) 2 - losing her independence. She had a good, independent lifestyle and probably grew to appreciate the uniqueness of her situation. It cannot be proven, but I am absolutely certain that Anna's lifestyle is one of the key elements which reinforced Elizabeth in the notion that her own choice of ''beggar woman and single rather than queen and married'' not only was the best option in theory but that it was also feasible.

@mariannehay4209 2 жыл бұрын

Why mess with a good thing. Her hands were tied and she knew how to play the game. Smart woman.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think she was wise not to attempt a remarriage (at least during Henry's lifetime).

@christinetitus6388 2 жыл бұрын

I think that at first, Anne didn’t believe she was scripturally free to marry. By the time both men had died, she probably thought it was best to enjoy her independent lifestyle. Thanks for another thought provoking video!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I wonder if she doubted that her marriage was properly annulled as well. You're welcome :-)

@edithengel2284 11 ай бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Especially as I believe she had (ironically) converted to Roman Catholicism at some point, and might well have had doubts that Henry's annulment was valid. (I suppose she might have had doubts that her marriage was valid too! Although the contract was probably enough to make it valid.)

@kasie680 2 жыл бұрын

lol when you said what a prince! I had to check back cause I thought you said what a prick 😂😂

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Haha! No, definitely not. I mean he was one, but I wouldn't say that on KZfaq. There are strict rules about what to say/not say and swear language would make the video less monetisable. I even dance around saying the word sex too, for the same reasons (which was quite tough in the video about whether Catherine of Aragon and Prince Arthur ever did the deed!)

@kasie680 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling hahaha I know, you tube pick and choose what they allow and what they don’t, I think you will find if you get demonetised it’s because someone reports you 😣

@haunanimartin459 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your videos on Anne of Cleves. IMHO, she is the most underrated & canniest of Henry VII's wives. I haven't seen or read any in-depth biographies of her, as if she wasn't worthy of examination. Given the circumstances of her marriage & annulment, I think she made the very best choice she had available to her. I have read that post-annulment, Henry did recognize that she had good qualities: she was good at card games, she was kind to Katherine, and she somehow found ways to not provoke his wrath. Instead, he would say nice things about her, & allow her to live a comfortable life. She is also said to have been a gentle mistress to her household, and they were fiercely loyal to her. She may not have been beautiful or talented, but she knew how to "read the room", and had the wit to behave in a gentle, noble way that got her the best results possible. I agree with your final analysis: she was extremely rich & independent, a rare thing during the medieval period.

@glorialange6446 2 жыл бұрын

The reasons you give are spot on, I think. But there is one other thing... she may have felt she didnt want to remarry because of her age, having to once again adapt to a mans will and "ownership" of her 'person' not just her fortune or independence. And , too, as long as she was the beloved sister of Henry she was also beloved aunt of Mary and Elizabeth and Edward, and it seems that those relationships meant something to her.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think her independence and not having to obey anyone in her household will have been a big motivating factor too (though this is just supposition on my part). I think she was as close as was reasonably possible to her one-time step-children too, which is a nice thought, as she had no friends or family in England and hadn't really had time, during her brief tenure as Queen, to get to know a lot of people, especially with the language barrier.

@ludmilamaiolini6811 2 жыл бұрын

I wonder if Elizabeth didn’t see Anne’s example and realized that out of all of her father’s wives, the one who didn’t stay married had the best life…

@dianamarsden4985 2 жыл бұрын

Anne of Cleves was wise. She left the marriage alive, which she very possibly realized. Henry could have killed her if she took One step wrong. More than likely she realized the danger of remarrying and upsetting Henry. By the time Henry died. I think she Was so comfortable with her life she was it interested in marriage.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I've never read anything which suggests she wanted another marriage (although that doesn't mean she didn't of course).

@graceneilitz7661 Жыл бұрын

Henry wouldn’t have killed her, Anne was from a powerful family. Anne could have been humiliated, like what happened to Catherine of Aragon though. The two wives that Henry killed were English nobles that were nobodies as far as the royal families of Europe were concerned.

@tracyhodgkins7516 2 жыл бұрын

I think one of the most remarkable things about Anne, or Anna to give her her correct name, is that not only did gossip suggest Henry was going to take her back after Catherine Howard's execution, but she actually wanted to go back and would have gone if he'd asked her. She was reportedly really upset when he married Katherine Parr, considering her less attractive than she was herself and Katherine was also older. Perhaps that answers the question of why she didn't remarry, at least while Henry was still alive. Perhaps she considered herself still married to him, or perhaps she wanted to still be married to him. Later, I think it's likely she just didn't want to marry again. She would have been financially and materially independent, which remarriage would have taken away from her, but I don't think that's the whole story and I think people in the modern age kind of revise Anna to their thinking when they portray her as the most successful wife of Henry's. Anna did get away from him, whether she wanted to or not, with her life intact, and she was materially secure after the annulment, but she was also parted from her family, from people who spoke her language. I've also read that while Henry was alive all Anna's correspondence with her family had to go through him, presumably to ensure she wasn't insulting His Royal Paranoidness behind his back. If the point about the correspondence is true, it means that Anna had no way to communicate with people she presumably loved, people she was unlikely to see again, without Henry's approval. I think that's a disgusting loss of her liberty, assuming it's true, and I think that sort of loss far outweighs anything she gained from the annulment. Perhaps she thought remarriage after Henry died would merely take what she had left, property, money, her independence, and maybe she thought she’d already lost quite enough when she married Henry and then found herself discarded, so maybe she didn’t want to do it again. I admire Anna because she got out of the marriage with her dignity intact and she never resorted to throwing mud at her revolting former husband, but at the same time I really think Anna’s story shows up quite how revolting Henry could be even when he’d got what he wanted. It wasn’t enough to annul the marriage with Anna and leave it at that. He had to stop her going home to Cleves too. Revolting man!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think she possibly considered herself married to Henry as well (religiously at least) and that might explain why we never hear of her being interested in re-marriage, except to him. You're quite right about the name too. She was called Anna. I use Anne simply because so many people today are used to calling her that (a bit like using Catherine of Aragon instead of Catalina, or Mary, Queen of Scots who actually referred to herself as Marie after being raised in France). Many thanks for watching :-)

@tracyhodgkins7516 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling I tend to forget Catherine Of Aragon's name was Catalina. Such a pretty name.

@terryroots5023 2 жыл бұрын

I imagine Henry treated her so well only because she complied. He was an absolute narcissist, and would see exercise of her free will as treachery. I agree fully that Anne was wise enough to lead her comfortable and single life during Henry's lifetime, and was probably experienced enough by the time of his death to recognise that marriage offered her little.

@Moebian73 2 жыл бұрын

Marriage is like being in the Bahamas without sipping on a drink & watching a typhoon roil in, being single is like being in the Bahamas laying down on a chair & drinking a pina colada with a good book. Just thought I'd share that piece of info. lol Good video! :)

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Well that's certainly true if you've married Henry VIII! Glad you liked the video :-)

@Moebian73 2 жыл бұрын

I'm sure there were royals of the past like the big Tudor. :)

@etherealechoes9907 2 жыл бұрын

Christina had the best remark of the time...if she had two heads! I can only imagine Henry throwing one of his childish tantrums! xxx

@erminedereims400 2 жыл бұрын

I’d imagine Anne would have realised that her divorce actually gave her a better standing in the Tudor England world than if she had stayed married to Henry (saying this with the idea in mind Henry would have stayed not liking her). She was rich, lots of houses and had her own court, but she unlike every other Tudor women she wasn’t married! So had much more freedom. I’d imagine she might have had secret affairs.

@SpicyMartina 2 жыл бұрын

I don't blame her. I think i would have been the same way in her position. I would have definitely jumped at the chance to get out of their marriage as well. Then not having to answer to another man and live in luxury and the risk of dying in child birth. She definitely got the better deal. Unlike the rest of the family. With Henrys temper and mood swings thats enough to put anyone of marriage. Great video ❤

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you :-) I think a lot of people would have wanted to get out of such a marriage as well. Catherine Parr for instance, never even wanted to get into such a marriage.

@billijomaynard8924 2 жыл бұрын

I find it almost comical that Henry complained about Anne's looks and body. He was no prized peach himself at that point. Also if she had married again, marrying someone of lower status would have been difficult but not impossible. Part of Henry's own maternal ancestry were commoners, his great Grandfather, Richard Woodville was made a knight only because of his marriage to Jacquetta of Luxembourg and later was given the title of 1st Earl Rivers and made a Knight of the Garter by Edward IV although he was not of noble birth. His father, also named Richard was a chamberlain to the Duke of Bedford, the brother of King Henry V Jacquetta's first husband and his daughter of course married Edward IV, Elizabeth Woodville, Henry's Grandmother.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I know. Henry doesn't seem to have appreciated the irony of him complaining about someone else's appearance. Yes, she could have married lower, but it would have been a risky strategy. If she'd asked permission, Henry might well have said no. If she'd married in secret, he'd probably have gone ballistic if/when he found out. Elizabeth Woodville's marriage was deeply unpopular for instance, because it was felt that she was too lowly to be Queen and that Edward IV had squandered his opportunity to make a strategic alliance with a foreign princess.

@billijomaynard8924 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling True, Edward did give up the chance to make a strong alliance through his marriage but i do admire him for that. He went with his heart and married for love, not something you see much with medieval monarchs. He is a unique and interesting figure to learn about.

@kimcornelissen1529 2 жыл бұрын

Both Henrys Sisters remarried beneath there status Margaret to Archibald Douglas and Mary to Charles Brandon

@redemptivepete 2 жыл бұрын

@@kimcornelissen1529 And Henry was less than pleased about both!

@NorryaParsa 2 жыл бұрын

Anne knew she "could" remarry. She also knew it would change how Henry would see her. She wasn't stupid and refused to deal with Henry's temper!! Anne had money, a comfortable, luxurious home, and FREEDOM! What sane, sensible woman would jeopardize that?!

@tinarozuk3549 2 жыл бұрын

I have always been interested in history but something about your voice makes it come alive for me. Thank you!!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you too :-)

@lauraamundson8285 2 жыл бұрын

I think Henry would have been offended had she found someone superior to himself and that he would have undone the financial arrangements. As for Anne, she would have given up control of her newly-acquired property to any subsequent husband.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, unless there was some way of allowing her to control her own property even after marriage, it would have been a heck of a gamble to take.

@Vydio 2 жыл бұрын

I believe Henry was so eager to be on good terms with her that he would have found her a husband personally had it been what she wanted. I don't believe she wanted to, and why should she. She had money, property, could see Henry's children whenever she wished and was frequently welcomed at court. Not a bad deal.

@edithengel2284 11 ай бұрын

I wonder, if she married again, would she have been allowed to keep the property Henry had given her?? Or would Henry have seized it??

@janicesnyder9305 2 жыл бұрын

Without Henry, but left wealthy, she could also avoid going back to Cleves where her family was less than loving toward their kinsman.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Funnily enough, she did ask to return to Cleves in later years, but she was refused. I'm not sure what had changed for her in the interim.

@alesiabradley5399 2 жыл бұрын

Who wants to marry again after escaping Henry the eighth? Don't blame her a bit.

@tdesq.2463 2 жыл бұрын

In law, that's what's referred to as a Chilling Effect. 👍

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Catherine Parr, but unfortunately it didn't turn out well for her :-( She'd have been better off taking the Anne of Cleves route.

@ItsJustLisa 2 жыл бұрын

I agree that Henry was all about what was good for him and everyone else be damned. Anne managed to keep her head, gain fabulous wealth and mostly live as she chose. I’m sure she was also fully aware that what was hers automatically belonged to someone else as soon as she said, “I do.” She was smart not to give that up. Nowadays, she’d have a prenup guaranteeing that what was hers remained hers unless she deemed otherwise.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, with her money she would indeed have a prenup today (assuming she got married somewhere like the States at least - prenups aren't really a thing in the UK).

@janicescott6713 2 жыл бұрын

I think she was the wisest of all of Henry's wives.. even Kathryn Parr almost stumbled to the block. Anne kept her head when it would have been easy to lose it. Hats off to her.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, her handling of Henry was smart. Give him what he wants, don't annoy him and get to minimum safe distance as soon as possible!

@geofftab6224 2 жыл бұрын

I love your content!

@aliroberts2246 2 жыл бұрын

Another brilliant and informative video, thank you. Yours are the only ones I watch to indulge my Tudor interest x

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you :-) I'm glad you liked it.

@barbarapease9399 2 жыл бұрын

Anne of Cleves was always one of my favorite people. Thank you for the video.

@sueamos3860 2 жыл бұрын

You make history so interesting and easy to listen to,thank you

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much and thanks too for watching :-)

@cindylewis3325 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks again for an informative video….I enjoy them!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Cindy :-)

@BabsMcHugh550 Жыл бұрын

I just love you more and more. Keep it up JC😊

@robertdudley4017 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you history calling superb as always. 😊

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Thanks for watching :-)

@robertdudley4017 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling your a great history teacher a plesure to learn from you. 😊

@larryrussell2033 2 жыл бұрын

I think Anne of Cleves was the luckiest wife of Henry VIII - and one of the smartest. As you speculated, I think she wanted to remain an independent woman and in charge of her own destiny. Catherine of Aragon is my favourite of henry's wives; and Anne a close second...

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think she was the most fortunate too. My personal favourite to research is Anne Boleyn, but I think Catherine Parr would have been my favourite to be friends with (Anne of Cleves was lovely too I'm sure, but I don't speak German!)

@stephencarrillo5905 2 жыл бұрын

Fascinating! It's unfortunate that a lack of documentation leaves so much open to speculation. Even if time travel was possible, and I could sit with Anne just to ask what her feelings and thoughts were on this subject, I'd be stymied because I don't speak German (!). She comes across as very intelligent and I would guess being independent and wealthy was something she treasured. My week is now complete thanks to you weaving another great historical tapestry. Be well. BTW, I'm really enjoying James' book on Catherine Parr.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I know. I'd love to have a chat with her too and ask her what she thought about the whole situation, though like you, I'd need a translator. I'm glad you're enjoying the Catherine Parr book. She had a really interesting life as well. Glad you enjoyed the video. :-)

@jayhawk09 2 жыл бұрын

This was such a great video! I find Anne of Cleves to be a scant talked about interesting historical figure. Thanks HC!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Glad you liked it :-)

@klaushergersheimer8315 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks 🤓

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure! :-)

@finleykim 2 жыл бұрын

She seems to have been reasonably intelligent having survived the dreaded Henry to live a very comfortable life so why on earth would she have wanted to marry?

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I think having children would have been the main reason to marry, but perhaps she didn't want them? We'll never know for sure admittedly.

@ns-wz1mx 2 жыл бұрын

i’m so late today! cant wait to watch 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoyed it :-)

@blorac9869 2 жыл бұрын

Agree! Enjoyed! TYVM!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome :-)

@beastieber5028 Жыл бұрын

Good evening to history calling from Bea

@LKMNOP 11 ай бұрын

You bring up the good point that as the king's sister the England would worry about who she would marry because it would bring her spouse into the Royal circle. I've never seen anyone make that point and I've read hundreds of books on English history. We don't know how much pressure might have been put on her not to marry or at least while Henry was still alive. It is noted In historical records that he complained about Francis marrying because that was his whole excuse for not being legally married to Anne. For my own opinion, I think Anne thought she was free to marry since she felt that Henry should marry her after the the death of Catherine Howard. There is a point though that maybe she felt she could not find someone good enough to marry her as she was originally considered good enough to marry the King of England. As she had to stay in England all she met was aristocracy. We don't know what opinion she had of herself. I do wish to tweak something you said at the end about whether anyone could communicate with her as they would be speaking English and not German. Considering how many years she lived in England there's a very good chance that she picked up English as a second language. Considering that she did communicate with her servants enough that she gave them money and gifts in her will so she must have been close enough to them so she had to been able to come communicate with them.

@dasparado 2 жыл бұрын

Anne got a pretty good deal and played the entire thing brilliantly. Henry even said later in life that he might of made a mistake, and that he perhaps should of stayed married to Anne of Cleves as they became quite close over time often playing cards together. He lovingly gave her the informal title of "Sister". I think Howards seduction was the root cause.

@rememberme6356 2 жыл бұрын

I think that remarrying could have devastating financial consequences for for her. Even though she had lands and castles, she was mostly living off the pension that was given to her by Henry, and which had to be reviewed every few years because of inflation. Sometimes things were so bad for her, so she had to rent her houses or switch with other nobles for smaller ones. After new wedding Henry, his son or any other people in power could stop increasing her pension. Therefore, she would have to marry someone rich, which were mostly people very close to the king, and many of whom were protestants, while she was catholic, like her mother. Basically, her pool of potential suitors was so limited, that noone was left.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, she was very dependant on Henry's goodwill and there weren't too many viable suitors.

@Shineon83 Жыл бұрын

….I just love the teal background Holbein uses for his portraits-they are so striking….

@susanhepburn6040 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome :-)

@beautyforashes2022 2 жыл бұрын

Anne of Cleeves really was the most fortunate, as well as wise of Henry's wives. And I'm always happy to hear her story and it makes me glad that at least for her, things turned out alright. I'm also very happy that she didn't remarry and possibly put herself in danger, as well as give up her independence. That was a very wise move on her part. The only unfortunate thing I can say is that she died rather young in modern terms.

@tapsars7911 2 жыл бұрын

Very interesting video . Excellent analysis of the situation as to why Anne of Cleves did not remarry .

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you :-)

@viviensparents4387 10 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@HistoryCalling 10 ай бұрын

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR VERY GENEROUS DONATION TO THE CHANNEL. I hope my thoughts on Anne's remarriage prospects were interesting for you :-) Sorry for my slow response too. I'm only just back from holiday.

@roserootedliketrees7571 2 жыл бұрын

Had some of the distinctly un-lucky wives been from powerful foreign families, I bet they would have fared much better. I don't think it's a coincidence that the wives who he executed were both English, & thus of lower status than him and not with families Henry would have feared upsetting.

@MadameRobinson 2 жыл бұрын

She also was curtailed in the Cleves court from her brother. It was a joyless court, and the Tudor court was bustling and lively.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, life in Cleves does sound rather dull by comparison.

@JohnDoe-tx8lq 2 жыл бұрын

She had quite a sense of humour and wrote her own epitaph: There once was Anne of Cleves, who was very pleased. She travelled to marry, in a foreign country. But divorced quickly, as there was no nooky She then bought her own bed, while she still had her head. - you go, girl! 🏃‍♀️ ...come on, it's 2am and it's best I can do. 😁

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

That's very good (and way better than I could manage, 2am or not). Thank you for sharing :-)

@EvelynElaineSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Anne most likely did everything she could to stay out of Harry's way. She knew what happened to his first three wives--divorced (and put away), beheaded, died. She was lucky to have a friendly divorce and survive.

@cherylnunn658 2 жыл бұрын

I think she was sensible and realised she had everything she needed. I think she could have remarried and chose to stay sing!e and independent

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think she knew how to make the best of her situation as well.

@beastieber5028 Жыл бұрын

Hello to history calling

@Shadowcthuhlu 2 жыл бұрын

I spent this entire video with get down stuck in my head

@boneyold 2 жыл бұрын

What I think is interesting is, as you say the precontract was one of the grounds of annulment when the other two would have been sufficient. I think the difference in the wording between Henry being allowed to remarry anyone and Anne allowed to ‘remarry’ is a big issue there. Feels like the precontract was kept in as a reason for annulment and convenience for Henry. Since it was stipulated as a reason for the annulment, ‘remarry’ could be interpreted as remarry Francis I as per her contract with him only if Anne married in secret or wished to marry someone Henry didn’t approve of

@williethomas5116 2 жыл бұрын

No way would she ever want to remarry. Henry was very generous with her for not making a fuss about the annulment. This allowed her financial independence. Other than widowhood all property that of woman went to her husband. I think Anne was wise. Plus Henry must have left a jaded view of marriage for her.

@JohnDoe-tx8lq 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video! Do we know if she ever had a close friends / lovers / companions in later life? Or what she got up to? With modern TV dramas having female lead characters, it would make a great TV series. A woman in Tudor times, having relationships, power over her own money when it was so unusual, dealing with local bad landlords and angry peasants (even solving crimes!) all with the backdrop that her ex is the King of England and abit of a nutter... Gentleman Jack comes to mind, independent thinker, plenty of energy and very smart. 😎👍 As far as Anne goes, would probably need to be flexible with historical accuracy(!), but would be fascinating within the constraints of laws and social norms of the times. I think I'll start writing a draft right now: "Recently divorced Anne is a strong independent woman who likes to play the recorder in Church, formal dances, loves her ale and regularly starts fights in the local tavern, The Queen's Head..." 😁

@AnastaciaInCleveland 2 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a fun idea! Also, regarding your avatar - Hail Bob Dobbs! ~ Anastacia in Cleveland

@JohnDoe-tx8lq 2 жыл бұрын

@@AnastaciaInCleveland ha ha I had to google that, I wasn't aware of J. R. "Bob" Dobbs! There's a lot to read - I love it I'd seen versions of the avatar in all sorts of places but it's obviously based on Bob, having been re-born so many times... Thank you for that, Anastacia 😃 Praise "Bob"

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I'm not aware of any documents that give us a great insight into her life at home after the annulment. She did apparently enjoy a drink and she came to court sometimes. She seems to have got along with Mary and Elizabeth too, so perhaps they visited one another? I doubt she had lovers as that would have been against her religion and upbringing and just a dangerous move all round for someone in her position. I agree that if you were prepared to be flexible about historical accuracy though (a bit like the TV show The Great) you could have some fun with it.

@JohnDoe-tx8lq 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling yes, I really enjoyed The Great, 87%* made up and totally bonkers but looks great, energetic, and loads of excellent characters… though jolly rude, I seem to remember, even for me.😃 * my estimate, based on absolutely no research! 🤓

@EvelynElaineSmith 2 жыл бұрын

In other words, Anne could be the Jessica Fletcher of Tudor England.

@virginiabluebell2350 2 жыл бұрын

Ann was one lucky duck and my favorite of his wives . To me her story is about the best case scenario for a woman in that time .

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, although I do wonder if she regretted not having the opportunity to have children.

@virginiabluebell2350 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling I think it’s very possible . Maybe she never wanted them but it’s doesn’t seem likely considering the time period and importance for a woman to be a mother . I think it’s more likely it was a sacrifice she had to make or did make to play it safe

@karleighelizabethlust4994 2 жыл бұрын

People tease her as being the “Stupid one “ but she was smart enough to keep her head!

@moondivine2288 2 жыл бұрын

Me looking at King Henry and what happened after Katherine Parr remarried to the monster Thomas Seymour: Anne made the right choice.

@bakoyma Жыл бұрын

The contract specifies that Henry "is at liberty to marry another woman" and that "the lady Anne (is) free to marry." My first thought at this was that was Henry free to marry anyone and Anne being free to act out the pre-existing contract and marry. Period. Meaning: marry the man she is already contracted to. I still feel it can be interpreted that way, but others have way more experience reading documents from this era than me, so I am open to being totally wrong here.

@asamanyworlds3772 2 жыл бұрын

Freaking hilarious if she remarried had a bushel of boys he would been calling the boys his nephews lol pure justice

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

It really would have been, wouldn't it?! :-)

@asamanyworlds3772 2 жыл бұрын

Lololo yup

@fawnieee 2 жыл бұрын

Henry wasn't offended because she didn't recognize him, he was offended because she wasn't immediately swooning and falling in love at the sight of him lol. Otherwise, why would he be in disguise if it was for recognition?

@marianparoo1544 2 жыл бұрын

I'm sure the agreement included a commitment not to remarry anyone ... else. But perhaps after the execution of Catherine Howard HE considered it, but she was too smart to take the chance

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Perhaps there was some private agreement not to remarry, but the actual wording of the agreement left it as a possibility (though really, only with Henry's blessing).

@nancycampbell8671 2 жыл бұрын

It was the other way around. Anne thought that perhaps after the woman who caught Henry's eye was now gone and disgraced, Henry would take her back. She's the ultimate forgiving woman.

@kbf6434 2 жыл бұрын

I think he did consider remarrying her after he executed Catharine Howard & they did get on well after their annulment, but she either said no or dragged her feet, which gave the Seymours time to push Catharine Parr in front of him.

@Gamble661 2 жыл бұрын

Anne was raised in a very strict religious environment, once she was free of Henry her prospects in England must have seemed incredibly free and limitless to her. Or, After my mother-in-law was widowed and asked if she would ever remarry her response was always; "If you escape from a burning house why in the world would you want to turn around and run back in?"

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Oh dear, it doesn't sound like she thought that much of your father-in-law!

@Gamble661 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling It doesn't does it? I never got to meet him but I think it would have been interesting...

@Orphen42O Жыл бұрын

Anne did not really want to go home as a discarded wife. The fact she had been Queen was not the major issue. Henry's younger sister Mary had been Queen of France but she married Charles Brandon, a man of lower rank. His older sister had been Queen of Scotland but after her husband's death she married a courtier After being of England, Katherine Parr married Thomas Seymour, a dashing man of lower status. Being once a Queen did not seem to deter royal widows from making second marriages to suit themselves. Especially, after Henry's death, Anne could have married a man with less prestige. No would have objected. By then, however, she was probably so set om her ways that she preferred to remain single.

@JerryD121657 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful show. Anne of Cleves was the luckiest one of Henry's wives because she got away from that psychopath with her head still attached to her shoulders and she also gained a lot of wealth and property, so she was able to live independently well for the rest of her life.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and I completely agree :-)

@musanyathi2298 Жыл бұрын

Henry was generous to ex-wives and mistresses who gave him no trouble. I wonder what would have been if Catherine of Aragon had accepted things as graciously as Anne of Cleves. Catherine Howard was despised by his children and his court because of constant comparison to Anne of Cleves.

@cassandraralph5906 2 жыл бұрын

I personally think that Anne of Cleves didn't get married again, after the marriage between her and Henry Tudor was annulled, simply because she was too afraid to take the risk, after all the painful experiences with Henry Tudor.

@emilybarclay8831 Жыл бұрын

People assume Anne must have wanted to remarry, but marriage at that time served two purposes for women: to have kids and to secure an income. She had her own income, and who’s to say she even wanted kids? Being an incredibly wealthy independent woman who was subservient to no husband would have been an absolute win. Anne probably didn’t remarry because it served no benefit to her and there was no one she wanted to marry!

@dreadlindwyrm 2 жыл бұрын

Possibility 4: She wasn't interested in men, and being rich and "constrained" by her former betrothal gave her an excuse to deflect proposals...

@terriv9002 2 жыл бұрын

Even having been happily married for 29 years, I can state that marriage is work. She was wealthy so the only reason to marry would be for love and apparently she never found that special someone.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes and I don't think Henry was ever willing to put the work in. Even while he was supposedly happily married to Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, he was cheating on them (not unusual for the time period I know, or for someone of his rank, but still not indicative of a good husband).

@laskmj24 2 жыл бұрын

Anne was probably the smartest of Henry’s wives. She knew from her predecessors that it was best to stay on Henry’s good side, and for that she was handsomely rewarded. Hey! At least she got to keep her head!

@stephanieking4444 2 жыл бұрын

Could you give us links to the primary sources you quote? Thanks in advance

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol15/pp412-436 This doesn't cover everything, but it'll give you a good start.

@stephanieking4444 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling thank you, much appreciated 😊

@annec6200 2 жыл бұрын

She’s definitely my favourite. As an Anne myself, I’m very bias, I have to admit. 😉 As you’ve stated on your previous videos, she wasn’t as educated as her predecessor but she sure was "streets smart" as we would say today so it served her very well. Being rich & single in those times, it’s priceless in my eyes. And that comment from the woman who said something about not having 2 heads had be bawling 😂…That was a beautiful 🎤 drop! Wow 😏

@sarah_noodle Жыл бұрын

I agree with you, HC. She very well could have remarried after Henry’s death, or at the very least, after Francis I’s. But, the bigger question is: why would she have wanted to? Like you said, she had financial independence, a quasi-royal title and houses and staff a plenty. As intelligent as Anne was, I don’t think she would have given that up for some guy unless it was for true love. Which would have been difficult to suss out. How would she have known if the man was really in love with her or with her money and connections? In fact, I wonder if Anne wasn’t actually the envy of all English woman. She was kept by the king without having to be married to him/around him all the time. She could live however she pleased for the most part. And, she didn’t have to worry about dying in childbirth.

@melvinmayfield470 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent presentation and commentary! I am Forever-Enamored of the Dowager Duchess (of Demark), for her 'quip', about having (2) heads! Brava, to that lady! What a Toad H.Tudor(VIII) was! Aman puts himself in disguise before a woman who's never seen him, then is 'offended', when he goes 'unrecognized'!? Villain, say I! (Methinks it a 'ruse'/excuse, because of the monstrousness, of the claim! Nevertheless; thank you for this!)

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Yes, Henry was just a bit unreasonable (to say the least!)

@Myriad727 Жыл бұрын

I've always wished we knew more about Amalia, her sister, as well. Did they stay in touch? Why did Amalia never marry? I have read that she lived with her brother and may have been involved in the death (accidental or otherwise) of a man who visited there, but it's been ages since I read it and can't recall what it was that I read. As for Anne, I'd wager she was relieved by the annulment and enjoyed the independence that his gifts provided for her. Why give your wealth away to a man when you can still live like a queen?

@carolnewton496 2 жыл бұрын

I feel she was probably just as pressured to marry Henry or maybe more pressured, as she would have been well aware of how he treated wives. Having been raised Catholic I imagine she wouldn't have considered marrying as long as Henry was alive, faith was very strong back then. She was 31 by the time Henry died, and even if there were suitable men, they would be older than her, most likely widowed due to childbirth or disease, and more interested in her royal connections and money than her . The biggest reason: having had a taste of freedom, why give it up?

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Oh definitely. I don't think Anne had much of a say in the marriage at all. Initially Henry didn't even really mind whether it was her or her sister he wed. I also agree that any potential suitor may have been of the 'Thomas Seymour' variety; after her money and connections.

@FrenkTheJoy 2 жыл бұрын

On the one hand I feel so bad for her, basically being required to live the single life while still believing herself to be Henry's true wife, no male companionship, no children. On the other hand, maybe she was totally fine with that. She got treated pretty well even though she was essentially a prisoner of the country (obviously one with a lot of freedom). Maybe she was super sad that she couldn't have a husband or children, maybe she never wanted a husband and kids anyway so was totally fine just being an honorary sister and being friends with Henry's kids.