@@ElizabethMcCormick-s2n she didnt have much choice. She did want to be queen but she was scared of either being locked up or going back to Cleves.... so she made the best of it.
@@hanaluong2672. She got away from her controlling brother and from Henry. If she got married again, she would lose all this personal and financial independence again. To keep that freedom was her ambition.
The fact that she was able to stay on Henry's good side alone shows how wise and intelligent she was. She's by far my fav. of all the wives. Considering everything she had going against her as far as England not even being her birth country, i think that's freaking amazing.
Absolutely! Anne appears to have been a very smart lady, but I think it often doesn't get flagged up as much because she didn't make a fuss at any point. She knew how to use her quiet, gentle nature in the right way to win people over. Ironically, she probably would have been the best wife ever for Henry had he not rejected her.
Plus being invited to court and named his sister, means she was very attractive. He would never mention an “ugly” woman his sister or let her being at court.
There is a new book by Heather P Darsey about the Anna (she preferred Anna) of Cleves marriage. The author is fluent in English, German and French and did exhaustive research in the French & German libraries with royal and am ambassador records. Based upon her research, Henry did not break off the marriage because of his feelings on Anna’s beauty. He originally made the marriage deal with her brother for further protection against the Papal supporting nations especially France. Her brother married her off but then changed his stance and made a deal with the French for further protections from the Hoky Roman Empire who had their eye on his Ducal state. France was Henry’s worst, most rivaled enemy. He took William’s deal with France as a personal affront especially since he married Anna with no dowry given by William. The political benefit of the marriage was now useless and Henry wasn’t enamored with her and had already had eyes on Katherine Howard. This was a convenient way to exit the marriage without publicly admitting the lower status Duke of Cleves had double crossed him. By insulting the quality of the bride, it was a further insult on William. It was PR choice by Henry to sell it this way but all the accounts in French & German, recorded the double cross by William as the true cause. Based upon Henry’s well known vanity, I don’t see why two enemies to barely friendly nations would record it in such a manner. I also think the Spanish also recorded it this way too. It was likely a blessing in disguise for Anna as she obtained rare financial independence, more freedom than her brother allowed her and the ability to make her own choices and not worry about falling into Henry’s dangerous tendencies to kill his wives. I’m sure after seeing what befell Katherine Howard, she was all the more grateful.
Because of the popular rhyme, everyone labels Catherine Parr as the survivor. But Anne of Cleves is the ultimate survivor because she died a rich woman, and well-loved and popular among the people.
I had to say Anne was the most successful of all Henry’s wives. Even though she divorced him, she remained on amicable terms with him and they had a cordial relationship. She also got on well with her step-children especially Mary and Elizabeth. She even attended her (Mary I)’s coronation in 1554 and even resided at Hever Castle (Anne Boleyn’s old home) where she died in 1557. Plus, she became the wealthiest woman in the country thanks to Henry’s pension so she was the luckiest one
When you think about it, Anne honestly couldn't have done any better out of the whole situation. And it was definitely a better life than she might have had if she had married someone else, probably!
Anne of Cleves should be remembered as one of the smartest, shrewdist women in England. Accepting the offer of a divorce with a generous settlement? "Of course, Your Highness. I desire nothing more than your happiness." Telling her brother she was quite happy staying where she was with her independence and wealth, thank you very much. Befriending Henry's two daughters, even though I have no doubt that she was genuinely fond of them. Graciously accepting *not* becoming Henry's wife again. Staying out of Edward's way. Supporting Mary and converting to Catholicism without complaint. Staying out of Mary's way after Wyatt's rebellion, since Mary's elevator probably didn't quite go to the top floor at that point. Probably her smartest decision of all, other than going along with the divorce from Henry without complaint, was never marrying (remarrying? It's up for debate, I guess) since that would have required giving up control of her lands and fortune, not to mention her independence, and becoming submissive to her husband. She was in the best position possible for a woman during the Tudor Era other than, possibly, being the queen regnant. It could be argued that she was in an even better position because she had more freedom and independence than either a queen regnant or a queen consort. Edit: Wrote that before heading the very last part of the video. Completely agree with all of it.
Definitely! She knew how to flatter Henry's ego to get the best out of the settlement for herself, but no doubt she was happy to go. It's quite telling that Anne seems to have had no desire to remarry after she was separated from Henry.
@@HistorysForgottenPeople It would not have been politic to remarry while Henry was alive. I agree, she probably didn't want to. She does not seem to have been ambitious for power, and, if she wanted children, she had a closer relationship to Mary and Elizabeth than most parents had with their children in those days. So that left her with no choice but to enjoy her high status, wealth, independence and general popularity. She probably had one of the best lives of any high status woman of her day, which is somehow very satisfying!
Absolutely! She was an attractive person both on the outside and inside, in my humble opinion. I saw a lot of parallels between Anne and Philippa of Hainault in that regard.
I think her upbringing w a Lutheran father but Catholic mother made her flexible in terms of religion, especially as her mother was reportedly overbearing
I agree, I think that definitely allowed Anne to have flexibility around religion during her lifetime. It's interesting that her sister Sybille was a committed reformist, but I think that was at least partially the influence of her husband, which makes sense.
Anne of Cleves was a clever lady at a time when most women of her age would not have been on such an independent streak as Anne had been. I think Anne had both the protection of her family, similar to Catherine of Aragon’s circumstances, and saw it as advantageous to herself as being agreeable to Henry’s design for a divorce. As opposed to the possible knowledge of what happened to the aforementioned Catherine of Aragon, who defied the king, and lost nearly everything by her unwillingness to acquiesce to a divorce. Anne meanwhile ,did quite well for herself, especially because she was a foreign princess in a kingdom with different customs and traditions by agreeing to the King’s wishes for a quick divorce which garnered its financial rewards from the mercurial Henry. It should also be mentioned, that out of all the six wives of Henry VIII, she was the longest living and even outlived old King Hal himself. Not bad, not bad at all. Cheers!🎉
Anne definitely learned from what had happened to Catherine, I agree. Being offered all the lands and money possible would have been an amazing exchange, but Henry was obviously so terrified of what would happen with his new allies if Anne fought against it that he was happy to offer anything. Anne definitely did the best out of all his wives! 😂
Beautiful video on Anne of Cleves, a remarkable woman who turned out to be the lucky wife of King Henry VIII keeping her head both figuratively and literally! Truly an intelligent, smart, politically savvy and astute woman of her times. Love her portraits by Hans Holbein The Younger, they are such wonderful masterpieces. Excellent work. Thank you 💖
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺ Honestly, I think Holbein's portrait of her is easily the most beautiful of all portraits done of Henry's wives. There was apparently one done at the same time of Amalia which is now lost, it would be amazing to see what that one looked like. And I totally agree, Anne was easily one of the smartest women around Henry, but I think she was helped by not having a desire for power like some of the other wives had.
Love Anne of Cleves, definitely the luckiest and possibly the smartest of all of the wives! She managed to keep her head and reputation intact in an impossible situation. And I can't help but quote Six the musical: funny how we all discuss that, but never Henry's little...Lol! Just subscribed!
Right? It is amazing how deluded someone can become if enough people tell them something. On the other hand, it shows how none of us should ever feel bad about how we look!
@@kunya16Exactly, from Anne's perspective a fat bald smelly man burst into her room trying to win her heart and she was going to marry a man famous for cutting off the head of wives who he thought might be unfaithful. She treated him with disdain and without knowing who he was would have to if she wanted to keep her head on her shoulders.
My Ex... when I broke up he was a real competition to late Henry, he got there on my costs (yes, I was extraordinarily dumb, and well other things). And he always made remarks about obese women, mostly "eeeeww disgusting". I told him he should take a look into the mirror maybe. He answered I wasn't a model either. My answer was that 1. it doesn't matter how I look like since I don't run my mouth over other people's looks and 2. (with a very smug tone and looking down on him) look at you and then look at me. - Coming for my looks was so stupid. Of course I am no model but different to him since my late teens thirty years ago no one called me ugly and unlikely considered it, not their type for sure, but not ugly. But that was him "but you" answers when it made no sense whatsoever whenever someone criticised him.
Anne is my favorite out of all of Henry's wives, because she got the best deal in being divorced from him: she became his honorary sister, got along great with his kids, got money, land and houses from the divorce, and got to be incited back to court from time to time for family's Christmas parties and other celebration. And most importantly, she got to keep her head and outlived all the other wives😊
I think she was- by far- the luckiest, and didn’t really fare badly at all. I love her icl- after Katherine of Aragon she’s the one I like the most, lass was just so chill😭 “want an annulment? sure” “want me to become a catholic? np bro”- she even danced w Katheryn Howard on New Year’s celebrations 1540, she went along w all and it went great for her I think.
Absolutely, Anne definitely did the best out of all Henry's wives! Apparently, Anne was completely fine with Katherine Howard marrying Henry, which makes sense in that she wasn't in love with Henry herself, and one wonders if she felt sorry for Katherine. And she was so chill - if I had to choose one of Henry's wives to be friends with, it's definitely Anne for me. She'd be that friend just happy to go along with whatever crazy thing everyone else wants to do, while still being happy to be the designated driver. 😂
@@lilacgirl-z8w Now there's an idea! What fun to see Henry, Mary and Elizabeth each visit her, all complaining about each other, while she smiles wisely and makes sure everybody has a good dinner!
14 hr shift and coming home to 'posted 34 minutes ago' was just... *sighs and sinks onto sofa* Fantastic video, informative, well narrated, just enough of a backing track to have me smiling with familiarity and just fab. Thanks for what you do, there are no words ❤
Anne, like Catherine of Aragon, had noble breeding and knew how a queen behaved. None of his other wives really did. I think she would have made a good marriage with Henry. She was young and the chance of more sons was probable. I think she was quite pretty but Henry’s pride had been Iinjured and he would have nothing to do with her. Lucky Anne 🙏🙏🙏👵🇦🇺
She was definitely the luckiest and wisest. She didn't end up bedding him. Although she was temporarily humilated with henry ridiculously claiming that he couldn't get it up because of her reputation, it ended up proceeding her in the end. She ended up a well-respected, very rich woman and ended up keeping her head. But she's also quite unique because before Katherine Parr anne had deep effection even wanting to still reconcile
Anne of Cleves was indeed a lucky woman. I never realised this before your wonderful presentation, but she obviously had a great deal of influence in the life and world view of Elizabeth I, who became one of the best monarchs England ever had.
I think she was treated well because she, herself, had no grand ambitions. She neither tried to politic, nor pressure Henry in any way. She was easy to get along with, and did not connive or plot for her own advantage. In some sense, this may have made her seem ‘boring’ to Henry who seemed drawn to women who were more willful and challenging. But I think he genuinely liked her. He certainly appreciated her going along with whatever he wished, and so it was easy for him to be generous to her in return.
I think you're absolutely right - part of Anne's success, as you say, was that she honestly had no ambitions in the way Henry's other queens had. Ironically, this would likely have made her a brilliant queen consort for him, had he not let his ego and lust get in the way of a good marriage!
I remember reading that English courtiers who joined Anne when she arrived to England, described her as the prettiest woman of her entourage, and looking quite lively to her portrait. Also they all mentioned that she is petite and curvy. Henry in his typical Henry-the-eighth manner just slandered the reputation of yet another beautiful woman who "did him wrong" and everybody just went along with it.
She would have survived anyway, unless she died in childbirth. Henry never dared to frame and murder his foreign born wives. That special treatment was only for his English wives. All in all Anne of Cleeves was fortunate. She became his beloved ‘sister’ for the rest of her life. And it’s notable that she didn’t return to her own country. If she had she’d have been married off. What a clever young woman.👏👍🏻🤣😅😂
She is usually remember as the lucky one and the survivor. It is true that, among all of Henry's wives, she was the last one to die. However, she was not the one who reached the oldest age. Catherine of Aragon was.
I think Henry built an image of her in his head and was disappointed when she looked nothing like that fantacy image. Not to mention he himself was not exactly a looker, so it's quite funny that he rejected a woman half his age for being too ugly.
She was a star! Being so asute to handle that level of rejection and stay on a very temperamental Henry. Whose other wives were executed and be so well thought of Henry took care of her as well.
There was a series made in the 70's or 80's that I really liked and it potrayed Anne as being repulsed by Henry, so she convinces Henry that, if no one knows if they have consumated their wedding, then he could play the French off the Germans and prevent a war with either of them. I want to believe it was accurate and that Anne was smart enough to play Henry.
I doubt it. This marriage bedding ceremony would have taken place a couple of months after she arrived in England, so her English could not have been good enough to maneuver a fat, cocky monarch. And if Anne was smart, which she was, she would not have wanted to use an interpreter because the Court's walls had ears. I think she saw the situation for what it was, her brother's arrogant machinations and this old fart's ego and played the delicate maiden role to keep her head attached. Why the hell would she want to go back to that stifling existence back in Germany? She played that fat fool, probably overhearing Catherine Howard babbling to the other assigned ladies in waiting of Henry's night assignations. And if she didn't understand, someone whispered it into her ear. Remember, these noble ladies were always surrounded by people, always. So, if she wanted to talk to Henry and manipulate him, she would have had to have some impressive pillow talk. Knowing that she was probably terrified of the loud buffoon and could probably understand one out of ten words only to piece together the general message after several sentences, I just don't see it happening.
Are you thinking of "The Six Wives of Henry VIII"? It starred Keith Michell. I recall Anna's shock when the gross Henry burst into her room pretending to be the king's messenger, and then, worse, revealed he was her husband. 🤮
Psychopath Henry VIIIth judicially murdered his second and fifth wives. His first and fourth wives were members of foreign noble families, and Henry would not have dared murder either of them. The post-partum demise of Jane and Henry's own demise saved wives number three and six.
Out of all of his wives, Anne of Cleves is the most complex. I don’t think it’s accurate that she faked her sadness over the divorce. Some people have self control, and others do not.
My favorite wife. She won the wives lottery. Thank you for giving a long video on her. So many videos on her are 5 minutes. It seems shes brushed over in history because she didn't die bloody
You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺ Anne's one of my favourites as well, and I'm always annoyed that she's brushed over so easily - she's also not often shown with any real input to her life, which the evidence shows was the absolute opposite.
I wonder if William was trying to protect his sister? And laid it on a bit thick? Being a fellow protestant, saying No outright would have been impractical. Given Henry's reputation at the time...
The German in me loves Anne and her level-headedness in this whole situation, but the Detroiter in me would have SOCKED a stranger assaulting me! I’ve heard, however, the courtiers at that time purposely DIDN’T warn her about the English-custom.
I feel like based on genetics and genes I think if Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were never executed got there annulment from Henry the 8th and sent away I think they would have outlived Anne of cleves since based on there family’s mostly died in early or late 60s even sometimes early 70s
Excellent narrative and steady presentation made for a very interesting and informative history. I will keep this podcast in mind for future reference. Many thanks!
@@HistorysForgottenPeople I don’t know who writes your script, but if you are the author you have a rare gift for story telling, a rarity among historians. Most are just godawful. In my experience I’ve become acquainted with only a few who get it but I’ll never forget them. Your voice is also commendable and distinctly pleasing. I see you’ve done a lot of work, I’ll try to get some time for a listen to more.
She never wanted to marry Henry, it was her duty. Clearly when she didn’t have to consummate her marriage, this worked no hardship…. I am sure she was afraid of being beheaded, so this settlement was a fabulous outcome. My guess is she didn’t like her life in Germany under her brother either. She seems to have truly loved Henry’s children especially Elizabeth, which again shows Anne’s intelligence as well. She got the best deal!!!
Hi, awesome live history video. I enjoyed it. How are you and your cat Mallard doing? I'm doing well. My cat Benjamin is doing well also. We have spring-like weather in Ontario, Canada. How is the weather where you are? In the next video in the future, could you do a video on Jane Dormer she was a lady in waiting to queen Mary the first in the tudor times in the 16th century. Have a great day. See you next video 😊 my cat Benjamin, and I always enjoy your history videos every weekend
Hi Michelle, how are you? I'm happy to hear Benjamin is doing well.☺Mallard and everyone here is doing great, just waiting for the rain to stop in our country! I'm glad you guys have spring, we're still waiting for it here. 😂 I will definitely take a look at Jane Dormer and add her to the list!
IMO, Henry wasn't ready for a new wife - let alone one that may have been a challenge. Anne was from a different culture and wasn't what he was used to (modest). He really should have waited. Anne of Cleves was extremely lucky and came out ahead of what she may have if she returned home.
Ive always thought that H was turned off due to her not falling into his arms when he appeared to her 8n disguise. If she had, she most likely would have been branded a harlot and lost her head.
I'm honestly surprised no one convinced Henry, once it was revealed that Anne had no idea of the "English customs", with a "see, she only has eyes for you, Your Majesty! No one else but you has her heart!" excuse. If she melted into this "stranger's" arms, and her lack of knowledge of the custom came out, she'd be disgraced. Damn if you do, damn if you don't.
When a door closes, a window opens. Very true in Anne’s case. Good for her. Oh, and that shuttle takeoff when you were talking about Henry’s “night time” activities. 😂😂. Anne was so smart.
LOL I just had to add that shuttle, glad someone noticed it! 😂😂😂 And you're absolutely right, Anne was a smart lady who recognised when she was being given a better deal, and she took it with both hands.
Henry had 4 recognized children. Henry Fitzroy was his firstborn son and 2nd child to survive childhood. He was born of Henry's mistress, Bessie Blount. He was acknowledged by Henry and given a title and household. He was present at the trial and execution of Anne Boleyn. He most likely would have been added to the line of succession if he had not predeceased his father.
A very clever princess for her time, she kept her life save and was styled " the King's sister. " Her kindness and humanity towards all that served her are indeed a mark of her high nobility. Anne was the only one of his Queen's to have got a very good deal out of it all, everything considered.
Nice video as always & it sounds like she had a very kind, considerate brother, trying to prevent her marriage to Henry. What a chad. Out of curiosity, what’s your opinion of Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson?
Absolutely! I just imagine the noble heads of Europe groaning as they spotted Henry's ambassadors marching through into their courts. "Oh, bloody hell. Which of my daughters do I have to get out of this now?" 😂 William definitely did his best to put Henry off at the start, that's for sure. Oooh, I don't really like Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson. I don't actually care about the fact that Edward put a woman before ruling a country (especially as it's a constitutional monarchy anyway, they're not actually running the show), of that she was divorced, but that both of them appear to have been Nazi sympathisers. Apparently that was also the reason they were moved to the Bahamas, as a way to keep them from Europe while still keeping an eye on them.
Amalia never married - there were negotiations for a marriage, but William broke it off for her, since her future husband (Bernard, Margrave of Baden) was known to live a very immoral life, and Bernard brother Charles was still only a child, so too young for Amalia. But she helped bring up her nieces and nephews (William's children), and wrote music. Sybille went on to marry Electoral Prince John Frederick of Saxony, becoming Electress consort of Saxony herself, and it was apparently a very happy marriage. She had 4 sons, 3 of whom survived infancy, and she also held her husband's lands successfully for five years at one point while he was in captivity. Sybille was also a staunch supporter of Lutheran Christianity, and she openly supported the Reformation.
Fascinating, as always, thank you. I must say, of all the people I know of who were connected to the Tudors, Anne was one of the few that made out like a bandit. Is it reasonable to say that her lack of formal education may have been beneficial for her in this situation? Your essays show that people, especially women, with personal opinions and desires did not fare well in the Tudor court, and, if they do, it's usually not for long. I think her social intelligence was exceptional, even if she didn't speak 5 languages or have connections with the thinkers of the day. Small mercies eh! 😏
I think you make a very good point! Henry probably did look at Anne and realise she wasn't going to challenge him the way his better-educated wives would have. Not to underestimate Anne's intelligence, of course, as she was clearly a very smart lady!
@@HistorysForgottenPeople Let's face it, the Tudors would have fed Socrates hemlock ( or a date with a noose and a couple of horses) if he dared use his methods in conversation with them. How could the average person at court, expressing an innocent musing, ever survive? Mind you, I do have a secret hope Elizabeth would have been clever enough to know better... Is that unfounded, in your opinion?
She was a very smart woman who made sure she kept her head on straight....if I was her I too would have taken the $$ and mansions and RUN!! from the King..😊
The women who survived Henry learned to take what hes willing to give to em,act grateful, never talk poorly about him (no matter how hard that was), try your best to not pick a fight and if hes in a mood try your best to keep a distance
@@DarthDread-oh2ne Hi! I am, thanks. And I was indeed! I haven’t watched the Ottoman documentary yet because I’ve been listening to the History of Byzantium podcast, but once I’m done with that, I’ll check it out! Especially as it sort of serves as a continuation of the Byzantine Empire
@@HistorysForgottenPeople IMO, there are some great reasons to love Anne. She was kind, never devious, and she never subjected anyone to torture or execution. And I admire anyone who is repulsed by Henry 8.
I like how the video starts: depending on your opinion of Henry VIII... is there anyone who likes Henry? I can find people who like Hitler or Stalin, but I've yet to see anyone who likes Henry. I'm not saying no one does. I'll probably get some replies from people who do, but this is my observation: he's one of the most disliked historical figures I've ever seen. Most people like his wives, they may even have a favourite wife of his, but 0 love for Henry himself. And sure, the dislike isn't excessive or intense as with more recent figures, but it's there.
I’ve read a comment once of a person saying Henry was “a man of his time”💀 not saying they liked him, but justifying his acts, which sounds just as absurd. I’d better understand if one liked Henry than if one liked Hitler tbh though
@@lfgifu296 Yes, it's an interesting thing: that worse people than Henry can get some admirers. I think this is owed to people following winners/achievers above good people. If you're horrible, but have success, you will find followers. As for "he was a man of his time" that's a lazy explanation/excuse. On one hand I get the idea of not applying modern day values to those times, but a good indicator of this not being applicable to Henry is the fact that throughout Europe at the time, everyone saw him about the same way we see him today. If you look at Chapuys and Marillac, the Imperial and French ambassadors, in their correspondence to their monarchs they describe Henry as a monster. They'd never say it to his face, but they knew. I think one English Protestant preacher, living on the continent called him "the English Nero". So, for a product of his time, he was judged by that time. In fact, in a lot of cases, modern views on historical figures are in fact views people had at the time that perpetuate over time.
There aren't many people who like him! I think historian David Starkey tried to present him as a king in his era, and that a lot of his personality was just exacerbated by his position...but honestly, I have a hard time seeing it myself! 😂 Even if we take the 'man of his time' comments, we can compare him to other royal and noble heads of his day, and he still comes across as a monstrous egomaniac. I think part of the uncertainty is that when he was younger, Henry was handsome and charming, and people often mistake that for a good personality, especially when that person is in a position where they are _expected_ to behave like their word is law.
For the question, if you had to choose a period of English History pre XX century, which would it be? Ngl I’m not sure myself, but given that I excluded modern medicine anyways, I’d likely live in Edgar the Peaceable’s reign, so mid to late X century. Ofc, I’d do my best to stick around and see first hand Edward the Martyr’s death👀👀
Oooh....I don't post about it at all on here (that might be a different channel one day) but I'm kind of fascinated with Roman Britain, so maybe 2nd or 3rd century CE? It was still so tumultuous, but it would be amazing to see what kind of influence Rome really had on such a distant part of its empire, or indeed the influence the other way around! Also to see what kind of changes were made in Britain that would remain until the Anglo-Saxons turned up. And to hear the language! We still have so many words we know have a Celtic base (even more here in the north), but we don't really have a good grasp on how it was spoken, only that it might have been similar to Welsh, if not the same.
I have always wondered about Thomas Cromwell being executed because of his procurement of this marriage. You mentioned that Henry had wanted to get rid of him for other reasons. This makes more sense. Maybe you can suggest a source where I could locate those reasons.
Anne was most likely perfectly fine looking but maybe not in a way that Henry was used to. Coupled with that disastrous first meeting, the failure of the match could have been seen from space. He never called her 'Flander's mare' (Flanders were not even a thing back then?) and any corroborating comments come from later, when Henry wanted to dump her and his friends would agree to consider the sky green in order to stay in his good graces. Nothing was ever said about Holbine's painting being deceptive, and she was still invited to court. She couldn't be considered a good fit based on her dancing, singing, playing instruments, or courtly games as she was not raised that way. So she must have been pleasant enough to look at to be considered an ornament enough for the court. The court was, after all, a show of rich, beautiful, and accomplished. Had she really been too ugly to beare, Henry could have left her be in some country manor and forget about her.
It's a shame she didn't live long enough to see Elizabeth on the throne. Imagine if Catherine Parr and Anne of Cleves - the two protestant substitute mothers of Elizabeth - being there to help guide her (not that she needed any help).
Anne of Cleve's story taught me that sometimes having a man reject you can be the best stroke of good luck a woman could ask for.
Yes! I have learned that in my own life. Sometimes when you don't get something you want it can be the best blessing.💛🌞
yes, she was a very clever woman, for sure ... escaping from Henry VIII ... OMG !
She was one smart cookie!
@@ElizabethMcCormick-s2n she didnt have much choice. She did want to be queen but she was scared of either being locked up or going back to Cleves.... so she made the best of it.
@@hanaluong2672. She got away from her controlling brother and from Henry. If she got married again, she would lose all this personal and financial independence again. To keep that freedom was her ambition.
The fact that she was able to stay on Henry's good side alone shows how wise and intelligent she was. She's by far my fav. of all the wives. Considering everything she had going against her as far as England not even being her birth country, i think that's freaking amazing.
She also learned to not marry again which saved her from the tragedy of Katherine Parr.
I'm sure Anne was horrified by Henry's obese ugliness.
Absolutely! Anne appears to have been a very smart lady, but I think it often doesn't get flagged up as much because she didn't make a fuss at any point. She knew how to use her quiet, gentle nature in the right way to win people over. Ironically, she probably would have been the best wife ever for Henry had he not rejected her.
Plus being invited to court and named his sister, means she was very attractive. He would never mention an “ugly” woman his sister or let her being at court.
@di3486 Thats a good point. Henry was such a megalomaniac
There is a new book by Heather P Darsey about the Anna (she preferred Anna) of Cleves marriage. The author is fluent in English, German and French and did exhaustive research in the French & German libraries with royal and am ambassador records. Based upon her research, Henry did not break off the marriage because of his feelings on Anna’s beauty. He originally made the marriage deal with her brother for further protection against the Papal supporting nations especially France. Her brother married her off but then changed his stance and made a deal with the French for further protections from the Hoky Roman Empire who had their eye on his Ducal state. France was Henry’s worst, most rivaled enemy. He took William’s deal with France as a personal affront especially since he married Anna with no dowry given by William. The political benefit of the marriage was now useless and Henry wasn’t enamored with her and had already had eyes on Katherine Howard. This was a convenient way to exit the marriage without publicly admitting the lower status Duke of Cleves had double crossed him. By insulting the quality of the bride, it was a further insult on William. It was PR choice by Henry to sell it this way but all the accounts in French & German, recorded the double cross by William as the true cause. Based upon Henry’s well known vanity, I don’t see why two enemies to barely friendly nations would record it in such a manner. I also think the Spanish also recorded it this way too. It was likely a blessing in disguise for Anna as she obtained rare financial independence, more freedom than her brother allowed her and the ability to make her own choices and not worry about falling into Henry’s dangerous tendencies to kill his wives. I’m sure after seeing what befell Katherine Howard, she was all the more grateful.
Because of the popular rhyme, everyone labels Catherine Parr as the survivor. But Anne of Cleves is the ultimate survivor because she died a rich woman, and well-loved and popular among the people.
Absolutely agree!
Totally agree
Also I’m certain that she died after Catherine Parr (Catherine dies a year after Henry and Anne dies 9-10 years after Henry)
So that does technically make her the true survivor lol
@@HistorysForgottenPeople Edward Henry's only son? ohm actually henry had one son before Edward named henry FitzRoy.
I had to say Anne was the most successful of all Henry’s wives. Even though she divorced him, she remained on amicable terms with him and they had a cordial relationship. She also got on well with her step-children especially Mary and Elizabeth. She even attended her (Mary I)’s coronation in 1554 and even resided at Hever Castle (Anne Boleyn’s old home) where she died in 1557. Plus, she became the wealthiest woman in the country thanks to Henry’s pension so she was the luckiest one
When you think about it, Anne honestly couldn't have done any better out of the whole situation. And it was definitely a better life than she might have had if she had married someone else, probably!
@@HistorysForgottenPeople I wonder how her life would’ve been had she married Francois of Lorraine? It would’ve been so different
So she died in her early forties, not getting very old.
Anne of Cleves should be remembered as one of the smartest, shrewdist women in England. Accepting the offer of a divorce with a generous settlement? "Of course, Your Highness. I desire nothing more than your happiness." Telling her brother she was quite happy staying where she was with her independence and wealth, thank you very much. Befriending Henry's two daughters, even though I have no doubt that she was genuinely fond of them. Graciously accepting *not* becoming Henry's wife again. Staying out of Edward's way. Supporting Mary and converting to Catholicism without complaint. Staying out of Mary's way after Wyatt's rebellion, since Mary's elevator probably didn't quite go to the top floor at that point. Probably her smartest decision of all, other than going along with the divorce from Henry without complaint, was never marrying (remarrying? It's up for debate, I guess) since that would have required giving up control of her lands and fortune, not to mention her independence, and becoming submissive to her husband. She was in the best position possible for a woman during the Tudor Era other than, possibly, being the queen regnant. It could be argued that she was in an even better position because she had more freedom and independence than either a queen regnant or a queen consort.
Edit: Wrote that before heading the very last part of the video. Completely agree with all of it.
I'm pretty sure Anne's heart wasn't broken by the divorce in fact it was probably a relief.
Definitely! She knew how to flatter Henry's ego to get the best out of the settlement for herself, but no doubt she was happy to go. It's quite telling that Anne seems to have had no desire to remarry after she was separated from Henry.
@@HistorysForgottenPeople It would not have been politic to remarry while Henry was alive. I agree, she probably didn't want to. She does not seem to have been ambitious for power, and, if she wanted children, she had a closer relationship to Mary and Elizabeth than most parents had with their children in those days. So that left her with no choice but to enjoy her high status, wealth, independence and general popularity. She probably had one of the best lives of any high status woman of her day, which is somehow very satisfying!
@@londongael414 I doubt if any english man would want to marry her, and risk Henry's being angry.
Fun fact: she was a lesbian
Anne was probably relieved she kept her head! She became the King's honorary sister and was content with that.
Her thoughtful generosity at the time of her death showed true nobility in the best sense of the word.
Absolutely! She was an attractive person both on the outside and inside, in my humble opinion. I saw a lot of parallels between Anne and Philippa of Hainault in that regard.
A real man would have appreciated having her as a wife.
I think her upbringing w a Lutheran father but Catholic mother made her flexible in terms of religion, especially as her mother was reportedly overbearing
When you think about it, that sounds quite progressive at a time when “mixed” denominational unions were not particularly the norm as it is today.
Wonder if their marriage was happy?
I agree, I think that definitely allowed Anne to have flexibility around religion during her lifetime. It's interesting that her sister Sybille was a committed reformist, but I think that was at least partially the influence of her husband, which makes sense.
Anne of Cleves was a clever lady at a time when most women of her age would not have been on such an independent streak as Anne had been. I think Anne had both the protection of her family, similar to Catherine of Aragon’s circumstances, and saw it as advantageous to herself as being agreeable to Henry’s design for a divorce. As opposed to the possible knowledge of what happened to the aforementioned Catherine of Aragon, who defied the king, and lost nearly everything by her unwillingness to acquiesce to a divorce. Anne meanwhile ,did quite well for herself, especially because she was a foreign princess in a kingdom with different customs and traditions by agreeing to the King’s wishes for a quick divorce which garnered its financial rewards from the mercurial Henry. It should also be mentioned, that out of all the six wives of Henry VIII, she was the longest living and even outlived old King Hal himself. Not bad, not bad at all. Cheers!🎉
According to her will she cared about her faithful servants which makes her one of my favored wives.
She was liked by Henry's daughters.
Anne definitely learned from what had happened to Catherine, I agree. Being offered all the lands and money possible would have been an amazing exchange, but Henry was obviously so terrified of what would happen with his new allies if Anne fought against it that he was happy to offer anything. Anne definitely did the best out of all his wives! 😂
Beautiful video on Anne of Cleves, a remarkable woman who turned out to be the lucky wife of King Henry VIII keeping her head both figuratively and literally! Truly an intelligent, smart, politically savvy and astute woman of her times. Love her portraits by Hans Holbein The Younger, they are such wonderful masterpieces. Excellent work. Thank you 💖
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺ Honestly, I think Holbein's portrait of her is easily the most beautiful of all portraits done of Henry's wives. There was apparently one done at the same time of Amalia which is now lost, it would be amazing to see what that one looked like. And I totally agree, Anne was easily one of the smartest women around Henry, but I think she was helped by not having a desire for power like some of the other wives had.
@@HistorysForgottenPeople exactly. Totally agreed. Her portraits are mesmerising, she's my favourite of all Henry VIII's wives. Thanks 👍🏻💖
Will you be doing the Holbeins in a near future?
Love Anne of Cleves, definitely the luckiest and possibly the smartest of all of the wives! She managed to keep her head and reputation intact in an impossible situation. And I can't help but quote Six the musical: funny how we all discuss that, but never Henry's little...Lol! Just subscribed!
I really have to see that musical at some point. 😂
Henry rejecting Ann for being unattractive. Oh the hypocrisy 😂😂😂😂
I've seen multiple facial reconstructions and every one of them showed a pretty face.
Right? It is amazing how deluded someone can become if enough people tell them something. On the other hand, it shows how none of us should ever feel bad about how we look!
It's not that she was truly ugly. It's that she said he was repulsive before she knew who he was. It was a "I'm not ugly, you're ugly!" ego move.
@@kunya16Exactly, from Anne's perspective a fat bald smelly man burst into her room trying to win her heart and she was going to marry a man famous for cutting off the head of wives who he thought might be unfaithful.
She treated him with disdain and without knowing who he was would have to if she wanted to keep her head on her shoulders.
My Ex... when I broke up he was a real competition to late Henry, he got there on my costs (yes, I was extraordinarily dumb, and well other things). And he always made remarks about obese women, mostly "eeeeww disgusting". I told him he should take a look into the mirror maybe. He answered I wasn't a model either. My answer was that 1. it doesn't matter how I look like since I don't run my mouth over other people's looks and 2. (with a very smug tone and looking down on him) look at you and then look at me. - Coming for my looks was so stupid. Of course I am no model but different to him since my late teens thirty years ago no one called me ugly and unlikely considered it, not their type for sure, but not ugly. But that was him "but you" answers when it made no sense whatsoever whenever someone criticised him.
Anne is my favorite out of all of Henry's wives, because she got the best deal in being divorced from him: she became his honorary sister, got along great with his kids, got money, land and houses from the divorce, and got to be incited back to court from time to time for family's Christmas parties and other celebration. And most importantly, she got to keep her head and outlived all the other wives😊
I think she was- by far- the luckiest, and didn’t really fare badly at all.
I love her icl- after Katherine of Aragon she’s the one I like the most, lass was just so chill😭 “want an annulment? sure” “want me to become a catholic? np bro”- she even danced w Katheryn Howard on New Year’s celebrations 1540, she went along w all and it went great for her I think.
Life of anne of cleves would make an interesting tv series if someone had any sense.
Wonder if she'd loved someone back home.
Absolutely, Anne definitely did the best out of all Henry's wives! Apparently, Anne was completely fine with Katherine Howard marrying Henry, which makes sense in that she wasn't in love with Henry herself, and one wonders if she felt sorry for Katherine. And she was so chill - if I had to choose one of Henry's wives to be friends with, it's definitely Anne for me. She'd be that friend just happy to go along with whatever crazy thing everyone else wants to do, while still being happy to be the designated driver. 😂
@@lilacgirl-z8w Now there's an idea! What fun to see Henry, Mary and Elizabeth each visit her, all complaining about each other, while she smiles wisely and makes sure everybody has a good dinner!
14 hr shift and coming home to 'posted 34 minutes ago' was just... *sighs and sinks onto sofa*
Fantastic video, informative, well narrated, just enough of a backing track to have me smiling with familiarity and just fab. Thanks for what you do, there are no words ❤
Which of Henry's wives is your favorite?
Awww, thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. ☺
Hear, hear! My fave bounced between Aragon and Boleyn when younger, but it settled on Anna von Kleves - the lucky one.
Anne, like Catherine of Aragon, had noble breeding and knew how a queen behaved. None of his other wives really did. I think she would have made a good marriage with Henry. She was young and the chance of more sons was probable. I think she was quite pretty but Henry’s pride had been Iinjured and he would have nothing to do with her. Lucky Anne 🙏🙏🙏👵🇦🇺
She was definitely the luckiest and wisest. She didn't end up bedding him. Although she was temporarily humilated with henry ridiculously claiming that he couldn't get it up because of her reputation, it ended up proceeding her in the end.
She ended up a well-respected, very rich woman and ended up keeping her head. But she's also quite unique because before Katherine Parr anne had deep effection even wanting to still reconcile
Anne of Cleves was indeed a lucky woman. I never realised this before your wonderful presentation, but she obviously had a great deal of influence in the life and world view of Elizabeth I, who became one of the best monarchs England ever had.
I worked for a gal that looked exactly like the Holbein portrait. That gal too was a steady, sensible, kind boss.
If I’d been Anne, I’d have done a little dance of joy after signing those papers agreeing to be divorced and pensioned off as the king’s sister.
I think she was treated well because she, herself, had no grand ambitions. She neither tried to politic, nor pressure Henry in any way. She was easy to get along with, and did not connive or plot for her own advantage. In some sense, this may have made her seem ‘boring’ to Henry who seemed drawn to women who were more willful and challenging. But I think he genuinely liked her. He certainly appreciated her going along with whatever he wished, and so it was easy for him to be generous to her in return.
I think you're absolutely right - part of Anne's success, as you say, was that she honestly had no ambitions in the way Henry's other queens had. Ironically, this would likely have made her a brilliant queen consort for him, had he not let his ego and lust get in the way of a good marriage!
I remember reading that English courtiers who joined Anne when she arrived to England, described her as the prettiest woman of her entourage, and looking quite lively to her portrait. Also they all mentioned that she is petite and curvy. Henry in his typical Henry-the-eighth manner just slandered the reputation of yet another beautiful woman who "did him wrong" and everybody just went along with it.
She would have survived anyway, unless she died in childbirth. Henry never dared to frame and murder his foreign born wives. That special treatment was only for his English wives. All in all Anne of Cleeves was fortunate. She became his beloved ‘sister’ for the rest of her life. And it’s notable that she didn’t return to her own country. If she had she’d have been married off. What a clever young woman.👏👍🏻🤣😅😂
She would have been under cover of veils until and IF she was married. Her Sister Sybil never married.
😞
Henry's treatment of Anne after she signed the "divorce" with no argument makes one wonder what would have happened had Catherine done the same.
Catherine had a daughter, she would never agree to divorce.
I agree. Anne of Cleves doesn't get much attention as to the other wives of Henry the VIII.
I enjoyed this interesting and clear depiction of English history about Anne of Cleves. Thanks.
She is usually remember as the lucky one and the survivor.
It is true that, among all of Henry's wives, she was the last one to die. However, she was not the one who reached the oldest age. Catherine of Aragon was.
Great video! Thank you! Anne was definitely the luckiest!
I think Henry built an image of her in his head and was disappointed when she looked nothing like that fantacy image. Not to mention he himself was not exactly a looker, so it's quite funny that he rejected a woman half his age for being too ugly.
Jane Seymour was the mother of the only legitimate son of Henry's that survived more than a few weeks or was recognized in the line of succession
Catherine of aragon had a baby son who died at around a month old.
Negging a woman because she doesn't fancy him. Then the French diplomat describing her as "mid". Some things never change.
RIGHT!!
The fact that Annes brother actually cared for her instead of just the money is very nice as he was more concerned about her “loosing her head”! 19:49
That's a lie. She could never return to Germany because she feared what her brother would do to her because of the failed marriage
She was a star! Being so asute to handle that level of rejection and stay on a very temperamental Henry. Whose other wives were executed and be so well thought of Henry took care of her as well.
She is literally my favourite of his wives, although Catherine is often my favourite as well. ☺
Anne was a beautiful woman. Rivaled Catherine of Aragon in her youth.
No doubt.
Definitely! Even if Holbein painted her head on to disguise features he thought Henry might not like, Anne was still really attractive.
Great video, as always! I love your sense of humor on this one too. Thanks for making great content
Need to do suileman the magnificent 's wives.
Thank you! Yeah, I find it so hard to NOT be sarcastic about Henry, even if I am supposed to be impartial. 😂
Anne of Cleve was the smartest of all his wives
There was a series made in the 70's or 80's that I really liked and it potrayed Anne as being repulsed by Henry, so she convinces Henry that, if no one knows if they have consumated their wedding, then he could play the French off the Germans and prevent a war with either of them.
I want to believe it was accurate and that Anne was smart enough to play Henry.
I doubt it. This marriage bedding ceremony would have taken place a couple of months after she arrived in England, so her English could not have been good enough to maneuver a fat, cocky monarch. And if Anne was smart, which she was, she would not have wanted to use an interpreter because the Court's walls had ears.
I think she saw the situation for what it was, her brother's arrogant machinations and this old fart's ego and played the delicate maiden role to keep her head attached.
Why the hell would she want to go back to that stifling existence back in Germany? She played that fat fool, probably overhearing Catherine Howard babbling to the other assigned ladies in waiting of Henry's night assignations. And if she didn't understand, someone whispered it into her ear. Remember, these noble ladies were always surrounded by people, always.
So, if she wanted to talk to Henry and manipulate him, she would have had to have some impressive pillow talk. Knowing that she was probably terrified of the loud buffoon and could probably understand one out of ten words only to piece together the general message after several sentences, I just don't see it happening.
Are you thinking of "The Six Wives of Henry VIII"? It starred Keith Michell. I recall Anna's shock when the gross Henry burst into her room pretending to be the king's messenger, and then, worse, revealed he was her husband. 🤮
@@madamedemonsieurI remember that series. It was on PBS in 1971. I found it on Amazon Prime Video today.
Psychopath Henry VIIIth judicially murdered his second and fifth wives. His first and fourth wives were members of foreign noble families, and Henry would not have dared murder either of them. The post-partum demise of Jane and Henry's own demise saved wives number three and six.
Making sure that she left something to the people that looked after her is the mark of a truly classy Woman.
My favorite of Henry's wives.❤❤❤
I agree that Anne of Cleves would have been a splendid Queen but l also agree that she dodged a bullet by not marrying Henry.
Out of all of his wives, Anne of Cleves is the most complex. I don’t think it’s accurate that she faked her sadness over the divorce. Some people have self control, and others do not.
Very nicely done!!! ❤ I couldn't have said it all, better, myself!
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺
My favorite wife. She won the wives lottery. Thank you for giving a long video on her. So many videos on her are 5 minutes. It seems shes brushed over in history because she didn't die bloody
You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺ Anne's one of my favourites as well, and I'm always annoyed that she's brushed over so easily - she's also not often shown with any real input to her life, which the evidence shows was the absolute opposite.
New subscriber! Love love your channel!!😊
Thank you so much! It's great to have you here! ☺
I wonder if William was trying to protect his sister? And laid it on a bit thick?
Being a fellow protestant, saying No outright would have been impractical.
Given Henry's reputation at the time...
The German in me loves Anne and her level-headedness in this whole situation, but the Detroiter in me would have SOCKED a stranger assaulting me!
I’ve heard, however, the courtiers at that time purposely DIDN’T warn her about the English-custom.
I suppose we'll never know if it was on purpose or simply an oversight, but it absolutely certain that no one warned her about it, definitely!
Ditto
I feel like based on genetics and genes I think if Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were never executed got there annulment from Henry the 8th and sent away I think they would have outlived Anne of cleves since based on there family’s mostly died in early or late 60s even sometimes early 70s
Excellent narrative and steady presentation made for a very interesting and informative history. I will keep this podcast in mind for future reference. Many thanks!
Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺
@@HistorysForgottenPeople I don’t know who writes your script, but if you are the author you have a rare gift for story telling, a rarity among historians. Most are just godawful. In my experience I’ve become acquainted with only a few who get it but I’ll never forget them. Your voice is also commendable and distinctly pleasing. I see you’ve done a lot of work, I’ll try to get some time for a listen to more.
She never wanted to marry Henry, it was her duty. Clearly when she didn’t have to consummate her marriage, this worked no hardship…. I am sure she was afraid of being beheaded, so this settlement was a fabulous outcome. My guess is she didn’t like her life in Germany under her brother either. She seems to have truly loved Henry’s children especially Elizabeth, which again shows Anne’s intelligence as well. She got the best deal!!!
Hi, awesome live history video. I enjoyed it. How are you and your cat Mallard doing? I'm doing well. My cat Benjamin is doing well also. We have spring-like weather in Ontario, Canada. How is the weather where you are? In the next video in the future, could you do a video on Jane Dormer she was a lady in waiting to queen Mary the first in the tudor times in the 16th century. Have a great day. See you next video 😊 my cat Benjamin, and I always enjoy your history videos every weekend
Hi Michelle, how are you? I'm happy to hear Benjamin is doing well.☺Mallard and everyone here is doing great, just waiting for the rain to stop in our country! I'm glad you guys have spring, we're still waiting for it here. 😂 I will definitely take a look at Jane Dormer and add her to the list!
IMO, Henry wasn't ready for a new wife - let alone one that may have been a challenge. Anne was from a different culture and wasn't what he was used to (modest). He really should have waited. Anne of Cleves was extremely lucky and came out ahead of what she may have if she returned home.
Henry VIII was a monster.
No arguments to the contrary here!
Ive always thought that H was turned off due to her not falling into his arms when he appeared to her 8n disguise.
If she had, she most likely would have been branded a harlot and lost her head.
nonsense. the convetion was that she should recognise the king, and allow him to kiss her....
I'm honestly surprised no one convinced Henry, once it was revealed that Anne had no idea of the "English customs", with a "see, she only has eyes for you, Your Majesty! No one else but you has her heart!" excuse.
If she melted into this "stranger's" arms, and her lack of knowledge of the custom came out, she'd be disgraced. Damn if you do, damn if you don't.
Great job on the video.
Always looking forward to another vid!
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! ☺
I think it had to do with a quality often overlooked . Intelligence. She made good choices rather than banking on fate or luck. Smart.
When a door closes, a window opens. Very true in Anne’s case. Good for her. Oh, and that shuttle takeoff when you were talking about Henry’s “night time” activities. 😂😂. Anne was so smart.
LOL I just had to add that shuttle, glad someone noticed it! 😂😂😂 And you're absolutely right, Anne was a smart lady who recognised when she was being given a better deal, and she took it with both hands.
Henry had 4 recognized children. Henry Fitzroy was his firstborn son and 2nd child to survive childhood. He was born of Henry's mistress, Bessie Blount.
He was acknowledged by Henry and given a title and household. He was present at the trial and execution of Anne Boleyn.
He most likely would have been added to the line of succession if he had not predeceased his father.
Actually, Fitzroy was his second born son. A baby born had been born to Catherine of Aragon, but died at 1 month old.
You're right, I should have said 'legitimate' children. I'll make a note in my description!
not that likely. the English poeple would not want a bastard for king.
@@glen7318 I'm sure an illegitimate man would be preferred over a woman.
A very clever princess for her time, she kept her life save and was styled " the King's sister. " Her kindness and humanity towards all that served her are indeed a mark of her high nobility. Anne was the only one of his Queen's to have got a very good deal out of it all, everything considered.
I love the humor involved in this portayal of King Henry. 🤣 Ann outsmarted that dreadful monarch!
Nice video as always & it sounds like she had a very kind, considerate brother, trying to prevent her marriage to Henry. What a chad.
Out of curiosity, what’s your opinion of Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson?
Anne of Cleves was lucky in brothers.
What happened to her sisters?
Absolutely! I just imagine the noble heads of Europe groaning as they spotted Henry's ambassadors marching through into their courts. "Oh, bloody hell. Which of my daughters do I have to get out of this now?" 😂 William definitely did his best to put Henry off at the start, that's for sure.
Oooh, I don't really like Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson. I don't actually care about the fact that Edward put a woman before ruling a country (especially as it's a constitutional monarchy anyway, they're not actually running the show), of that she was divorced, but that both of them appear to have been Nazi sympathisers. Apparently that was also the reason they were moved to the Bahamas, as a way to keep them from Europe while still keeping an eye on them.
Amalia never married - there were negotiations for a marriage, but William broke it off for her, since her future husband (Bernard, Margrave of Baden) was known to live a very immoral life, and Bernard brother Charles was still only a child, so too young for Amalia. But she helped bring up her nieces and nephews (William's children), and wrote music.
Sybille went on to marry Electoral Prince John Frederick of Saxony, becoming Electress consort of Saxony herself, and it was apparently a very happy marriage. She had 4 sons, 3 of whom survived infancy, and she also held her husband's lands successfully for five years at one point while he was in captivity. Sybille was also a staunch supporter of Lutheran Christianity, and she openly supported the Reformation.
@@HistorysForgottenPeople Thanks for the extra tidbit of Anne's sisters
Amazing video!! Could you ever do a video on Juana Ines De La Cruz in face near future ? Keep up the good work !
Thank you! And I will definitely add Juana Ines De La Cruz to my list, I hadn't heard of her before. ☺
Very good. Thank you.
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺
@@HistorysForgottenPeople So kind.
Fascinating, as always, thank you. I must say, of all the people I know of who were connected to the Tudors, Anne was one of the few that made out like a bandit. Is it reasonable to say that her lack of formal education may have been beneficial for her in this situation? Your essays show that people, especially women, with personal opinions and desires did not fare well in the Tudor court, and, if they do, it's usually not for long. I think her social intelligence was exceptional, even if she didn't speak 5 languages or have connections with the thinkers of the day. Small mercies eh! 😏
I think you make a very good point! Henry probably did look at Anne and realise she wasn't going to challenge him the way his better-educated wives would have. Not to underestimate Anne's intelligence, of course, as she was clearly a very smart lady!
@@HistorysForgottenPeople Let's face it, the Tudors would have fed Socrates hemlock ( or a date with a noose and a couple of horses) if he dared use his methods in conversation with them. How could the average person at court, expressing an innocent musing, ever survive? Mind you, I do have a secret hope Elizabeth would have been clever enough to know better... Is that unfounded, in your opinion?
Anne of Cleves was a very pretty woman. King Henry VIII was a fool!!!!😊
She was smart to get away.
Anna Von Kleve not only outlived all his other wives AND Henry himself!!!
Jane Seymour was the mother of Henry V111 only legitimate son.
🥰 Anne life is such an interesting read!
Enchanting herstory told in a delightful middle class voice and accent 😊
Awww, thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. 😊
That is why Anne and Anne are my fav queens of henry8
I say Anne was extremely smart and savvy
The rockets for "nocturnal emissions" absolutely floored me.
The only time in his later years a woman reacted honestly to his advances.
Anne of clever !!!! She managed to be the only one with a happy ending Elizabeth I probably looked after her by staying single
A stud at his age at this time Henry was Not, and Henry must have thought, How dare she act like that around me! LOL
Honestly, I would love to go back in time just to see the look on his face at that moment. 😂
I actually find it interesting that Anne and Mary were able to be friends given how devoutly Catholic Mary was
Thank you, I had never heard any of this before, and had believed the propaganda about her. Glad to no longer be ignorant.
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺
If you know anything about Henry VIII you know Anne was actually attractive lol
She was a very smart woman who made sure she kept her head on straight....if I was her I too would have taken the $$ and mansions and RUN!! from the King..😊
the smartest and the luckiest wife of the tyranical crazed Henry VIII !!
The women who survived Henry learned to take what hes willing to give to em,act grateful, never talk poorly about him (no matter how hard that was), try your best to not pick a fight and if hes in a mood try your best to keep a distance
Henry rolling in his grave after that description of him lmaooo
Who gives a crap about his feelings!
I hope he's spinning in there! 😂
11:14 amazing😭😭
Hi friend. I hope you're having A wonderful day. I have A question: Was you able to find the channel I told you about ?
@@DarthDread-oh2ne Hi! I am, thanks. And I was indeed! I haven’t watched the Ottoman documentary yet because I’ve been listening to the History of Byzantium podcast, but once I’m done with that, I’ll check it out! Especially as it sort of serves as a continuation of the Byzantine Empire
Honestly, I would love to know what tips the courtiers used to keep a straight face while giving Henry compliments. 😂😂😂
@@HistorysForgottenPeople 🤣
More documentaries about the Tudors should point out that Henry repulsed Anne.
YES! I love Anne, so I feel probably more strongly about this than I should. 😂
@@HistorysForgottenPeople IMO, there are some great reasons to love Anne. She was kind, never devious, and she never subjected anyone to torture or execution. And I admire anyone who is repulsed by Henry 8.
I like how the video starts: depending on your opinion of Henry VIII... is there anyone who likes Henry? I can find people who like Hitler or Stalin, but I've yet to see anyone who likes Henry. I'm not saying no one does. I'll probably get some replies from people who do, but this is my observation: he's one of the most disliked historical figures I've ever seen. Most people like his wives, they may even have a favourite wife of his, but 0 love for Henry himself. And sure, the dislike isn't excessive or intense as with more recent figures, but it's there.
I’ve read a comment once of a person saying Henry was “a man of his time”💀 not saying they liked him, but justifying his acts, which sounds just as absurd. I’d better understand if one liked Henry than if one liked Hitler tbh though
@@lfgifu296 Yes, it's an interesting thing: that worse people than Henry can get some admirers. I think this is owed to people following winners/achievers above good people. If you're horrible, but have success, you will find followers.
As for "he was a man of his time" that's a lazy explanation/excuse. On one hand I get the idea of not applying modern day values to those times, but a good indicator of this not being applicable to Henry is the fact that throughout Europe at the time, everyone saw him about the same way we see him today.
If you look at Chapuys and Marillac, the Imperial and French ambassadors, in their correspondence to their monarchs they describe Henry as a monster. They'd never say it to his face, but they knew. I think one English Protestant preacher, living on the continent called him "the English Nero". So, for a product of his time, he was judged by that time. In fact, in a lot of cases, modern views on historical figures are in fact views people had at the time that perpetuate over time.
Glad I didn't have to put up with the Tudors!
There aren't many people who like him! I think historian David Starkey tried to present him as a king in his era, and that a lot of his personality was just exacerbated by his position...but honestly, I have a hard time seeing it myself! 😂 Even if we take the 'man of his time' comments, we can compare him to other royal and noble heads of his day, and he still comes across as a monstrous egomaniac. I think part of the uncertainty is that when he was younger, Henry was handsome and charming, and people often mistake that for a good personality, especially when that person is in a position where they are _expected_ to behave like their word is law.
Remember that old saying absolute power absolutely corrupts.
Anne was truly the BOSS ❤
For the question, if you had to choose a period of English History pre XX century, which would it be?
Ngl I’m not sure myself, but given that I excluded modern medicine anyways, I’d likely live in Edgar the Peaceable’s reign, so mid to late X century. Ofc, I’d do my best to stick around and see first hand Edward the Martyr’s death👀👀
I would like edward the confessor timeline.
Oooh....I don't post about it at all on here (that might be a different channel one day) but I'm kind of fascinated with Roman Britain, so maybe 2nd or 3rd century CE? It was still so tumultuous, but it would be amazing to see what kind of influence Rome really had on such a distant part of its empire, or indeed the influence the other way around! Also to see what kind of changes were made in Britain that would remain until the Anglo-Saxons turned up. And to hear the language! We still have so many words we know have a Celtic base (even more here in the north), but we don't really have a good grasp on how it was spoken, only that it might have been similar to Welsh, if not the same.
Oooh I would say she was very lucky indeed. She dodged the bullet that was being Henry VIII's wife.
I have always wondered about Thomas Cromwell being executed because of his procurement of this marriage. You mentioned that Henry had wanted to get rid of him for other reasons. This makes more sense. Maybe you can suggest a source where I could locate those reasons.
My favorite wife of the king.
I saw a recreation of what Anne might have looked like based on her portraits and she was actually quite pretty.
Every time I see her portraits I think she's probably the prettiest of Henry's wives! (Or Catherine of Aragon).
By, you know, the most awesome king ever😂
😂😂😂
Henry was a beast and behaved badly to almost everyone. One of the worst English kings.
She was a lovely and smart lady.
Anne was most likely perfectly fine looking but maybe not in a way that Henry was used to. Coupled with that disastrous first meeting, the failure of the match could have been seen from space. He never called her 'Flander's mare' (Flanders were not even a thing back then?) and any corroborating comments come from later, when Henry wanted to dump her and his friends would agree to consider the sky green in order to stay in his good graces. Nothing was ever said about Holbine's painting being deceptive, and she was still invited to court. She couldn't be considered a good fit based on her dancing, singing, playing instruments, or courtly games as she was not raised that way. So she must have been pleasant enough to look at to be considered an ornament enough for the court. The court was, after all, a show of rich, beautiful, and accomplished. Had she really been too ugly to beare, Henry could have left her be in some country manor and forget about her.
Classic DARVO - Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender - from Henry. No surprise there.
Well done! A holistic perspective of Anne of Cleves, an admirable person who had to deal with psycho Henry.
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺
Both Annes and are my favorite of his wives. 👑👑🔥🔥
It's a shame she didn't live long enough to see Elizabeth on the throne. Imagine if Catherine Parr and Anne of Cleves - the two protestant substitute mothers of Elizabeth - being there to help guide her (not that she needed any help).
Ann was smart and lucky.