Anne of Cleves

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Iris Distancia Lit & Comp II Ms. Gorman 19 December,2013 Biography(Anne of Cleves) Ann of Cleves was the 4th queen consort of Henry VIII .She outlived Henry and all of his wives. The Princess of Cleves was the 2nd daughter of John Duke of Cleves (located in Germany ). She was born September 1515. She did not speak English and knew no other language other than her native tongue. She was not pretty and had a gentle meek temperament. Anne of Cleves marriage to Henry VIII was a political arrangement set up by Thomas Cromwell who thought it wise for England to ally with one of the German provinces against both Catholic France and Spain . The marriage treaty was signed October 6, 1539. Henry had never met Anne of Cleves. Holbein painted a miniature portrait of her likeness. It was very flattering. Henry was looking forward to meeting her new bride. As one story goes, Anne landed at Deal on December 27. Henry disguised as another met her at Rochester. He was repulsed by her looks. Henry was locked into the marriage because of the treaty. He felt he had been mislead as everyone said Anne of Cleves was a real beauty. He was angry. Henry went through with the marriage to Anne of Cleves on January 6th. However, on the wedding night he could not bring himself to consummate the marriage. At this time period, Henry had lost most of his looks and had grown fat. Many thought he was impotent during his marriage to Anne Boleyn. Henry complained that Anne of Cleves breath was foul. Anne of Cleves knew of Anne Boleyn's fate. So, she most likely did not care to marry Henry either. 6 months later, Cromwell was arrested for treason and became a prisoner of the tower of London and executed. Henry wanted out of his marriage either divorce or annulment. In the mean time, Stephan Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester
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