What do you think? Was Anne of Cleves Henry's luckiest wife or would you choose someone else? You can also now check out my PATREON site for extra perks at www.patreon.com/historycalling

@bodyofalegend

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve just made a video about Henry Viii on my KZread channel too. He’s definitely an interesting character! I’d say Anne of Cleves was the lucky one ☺️

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

@@bodyofalegend I agree. Of course 'lucky' is a relative term when discussing Henry VIII's wives! :-) Thanks for watching and commenting.

@ButtonsCasey

3 жыл бұрын

She is by far the smartest queen he tried to rid of. I say that because CoA could have also gave Henry what he wanted and her life would have been better.

@RudesMom

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure I would call her the luckiest but she did get the best deal out of her marriage. She knew what happened to the first two wives and didn't fight Henry. She may not have received an extensive education but she showed great wisdom in her dealings with Henry. She kept her head with only a slight downgrade in rank and financial independence. Not bad for a 16th century woman. I'd call her the wisest of his wives.

@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131

3 жыл бұрын

I think Anne of Cleves had a lucky escape from her marriage. But I've learned that she died of cancer, so in the end not so lucky after all..... 😟

I don’t think she was lucky. I think she was smarter than people gave her credit for. She navigated through a marriage with Henry VIII, a place where few women dared to tread and not only came out alive, but much better off than she was going in. She knew how to placate Henry and save her own skin in the process, and came to be an independent woman, which is virtually unheard of at the time. Now, that’s brains and talent!

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

It really is, especially when you consider that she didn't have the kind of education that the likes of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Parr had. I think she must have had innate intelligence too and possibly good advisors, who she had the sense to listen to.

@christinaclark9754

3 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling I think she had a lot of common sense. She learned from the mistakes of the Queens before her.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed.

@hogwashmcturnip8930

3 жыл бұрын

I think she must have also been a genuinely nice person. Apparently Henry spent a lot of time with her once they were no longer married, and she seems to have done a lot of good for her local people. I think she was probably the most loved by commoners of the lot of them.

@englishatheart

3 жыл бұрын

She wasn't independent. No one is, as we all depend on something.

She was definitely the lucky one 😂💕 no question. She kept her head, got tons of wealth and she never had to sleep with that ill-smelling beast!

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly.

@Author.Noelle.Alexandria

3 жыл бұрын

The thought of sex with Henry at that point in his life makes my skin crawl.

@caroledickerson5616

3 жыл бұрын

Amen to that. Lucky lucky woman. 🌻

@jimtrue1465

3 жыл бұрын

@@BigMamaDaveX Actually, in his younger (and thinner) days, Henry was considered quite handsome and virile and a good catch, even if you discount his rank.

@DC_08

3 жыл бұрын

And she didn’t have to serve as his nurse maid like poor Katherine Parr, the last wife!

Christina of Denmark is supposed to have answered Henry's proposal like this: "Had I two heads, one of them would be at the disposal of your majesty. Alas - I have only one, and I'd like to keep that for myself. " Clever woman.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I've read that too. I like the sound of Christina. She was only a teenager but she was, as you say, very clever. Funnily enough, I think she went on to marry the man Anne of Cleves had supposedly been engaged to. Royalty's a small world! :-)

@Maridun50

3 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Really? Interesting. Yes it is indeed a small world.

@ellencooper2199

3 жыл бұрын

RIGHT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@marianparoo1544

2 жыл бұрын

I read that, too.

@beckyenglish4783

2 жыл бұрын

Snap!

I don’t doubt Holbein’s portrait was honest, it would have been dangerous for him to be dishonest. I really believe Henry’s pride was hurt by Anne not immediately recognising and he was determined after that to find fault. I am glad that she was relatively content

How awful must she have felt when Henry didn't find her attractive,but she definitely dodged a bullet. She was obviously smart,she stroked his ego in that letter and played the submissive damsel. This Anne is my favorites

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I like her too. You could imagine she'd be pleasant company to hang out with.

@AnnaGirardini

3 жыл бұрын

I don't even think she was ugly. Henry appeared to her in disguise, thinking to win her over with his looks (-_-) she refused him and THEN he started to say she was ugly... I think the timing says everything

@Kris-wo4pj

3 жыл бұрын

@@AnnaGirardini apparently that was a common thing to do among british nobles since it was popular in romance books at the time. to sneak up to a bride or bethored in disguised and embraced them suddenly. the issue? germans didnt have this custom so it was just so rando to her since she never seen him before. Henry loves to make up rumors and comments when his ego takes a hit. the weird part is after the failed marriage they stroke up a friendship or atleast respected each other and she was apparently a decent mother figure to Elizabeth and Mary even after the divorce. idk if that last part was true but apparently Elizabeth and Mary spoke nicely of her almost highly unlike Catherine Parr who was always spoke politely or poorly of esp her lover (second husband idk if they married) who had a thing for young girls which made sense since he courted Jane when she was in her low to mid teens before Henry married her.

@chinavaughan6383

3 жыл бұрын

After meeting Henry VIII, I don’t think she felt awful when he rejected her. She probably felt like the luckiest woman in the world😊

@robinlillian9471

3 жыл бұрын

@@chinavaughan6383 So true. Marriage to Henry was almost a death sentence. Even the last wife just barely escaped. If he had lived just a little longer, he might have murdered her, too.

Anne was honestly really clever! She got out of her stifling backwater, gained wealth and security, and stayed the darling of the court. She knew when to hold and when to fold. Definitely luckiest, but also best at playing her circumstances to her own favor.

I think this lady was sensible and clever. I don't think she was ugly.🌹

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

No, I don't think she was ugly either, just not to Henry's taste.

@kittykatz4001

3 жыл бұрын

She’s better-looking than Jane Seymour!

@SenatiaA

3 жыл бұрын

He was attracted to hags after Princess Katherine. Anne Boleyn had a growth on one of hands and she was ugly. He liked them common, improvised, weird, and easy.

@roolenoir3183

3 жыл бұрын

@@SenatiaA Not only was that a crap thing to say but also un-true.

@juliettem13

3 жыл бұрын

@@SenatiaA that’s a pretty loaded thing to say considering you’ve never seen them

She has always been my favorite queen. Well played Anne of Cleaves

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Me too!

@SkepticalChris

2 жыл бұрын

Anne of Cleves certainly is one of the most underappreciated of King Henry's wives. I always felt that she is a good example of a pragmatic woman who lives in a man's world, but is clever enough to know sometimes its best just to say what King Henry wants to hear, and be rewarded for it, which she was. Look at the way that Anne of Cleves was treated after she didn't resist the annulment, she was richly rewarded with titles and estates, and she was held as a good friend of the King, and invited to court frequently and was widely respected. Sure, she never ended up married or having children of her own, but considering how King Henry's other wives ended up, I think really, Anne of Cleves was the ultimate survivor.

The famous portrait of her sees to be accurate as the painter remained in favor. Henry was just being a jerk to put it mildly. He claimed she was old, flabby, smelly and not a virgin. It's ben said that one member of the marriage fit that description but it wasn't Anne! The fact that he later wanted her at court which suggests she was seen as "attractive company."

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, I've never heard Henry's description flipped around like that, but you're right. It does describe him far better than her.

@mangot589

3 жыл бұрын

He does sound like he’s describing himself lol

@samanthafordyce5795

2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Projection is an aspect of narcissism. The narcissist can't possibly have done or been the undesirable things, so if they occurred, the other person(s) must have done them.

@andrearoyd2942

2 жыл бұрын

It can not be imagined the smell from Henry's own rotting flesh\gangrene of his leg, without modern medications & dressings.

@hym3323

2 жыл бұрын

It's because her first reaction to him was shock and not swooning at him at first glance. And his fragile little ego couldn't handle it.

Anne was also fortunate that she was a foreign princess, and so Henry could not afford to treat her harshly. Ironically, as a princess of the German state of Cleves, which was still a part of the Holy Roman Empire, she was technically a subject of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V (the nephew of Catherine of Aragon), the most powerful man in Europe. (Cleves remained a part of the Empire even though it was one of the rebellious Protestant duchies). Moreover, Anne did nothing to cause hatred on the part of Henry. She had a very pleasant personality, and when the time came for the marriage to end, she offered no opposition. He genuinely liked her as a person, but did not see her as a romantic partner.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, it was her decision to submit immediately which undoubtedly got her such a cushy settlement and I agree her connections helped to protect her too. Thanks for watching and commenting.

The gall of Henry to say that she was repulsive- he was old, enormous and had a stinking ulcerous open wound on his leg. Plus his personality was nothing to be pleased with

Her own servants said she was a gentle and generous woman, and when she died she gaave lots of money to those who had served her

@anthonywilliams9852

2 жыл бұрын

So she wasn't that poor.

@vilwarin5635

2 жыл бұрын

@@anthonywilliams9852 she wasn´t living on the street, but she had less money than a person on her position could have (like a CEO living with a middle class salary)

Anne of Cleves has always been my favourite, she played the game and struck the jackpot! apparently, she left a lot of money to her servants when she passed. She was a very benevolent lady and I don't think she was ugly I just think she was just not Henry's type which are two different things.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

I agree. She actually looks quite pretty to me based on the Holbein portrait and arguably better looking than Jane Seymour. As you say, she just wasn't to Henry's taste. Thanks for watching and commenting :-)

@LaPinturaBella

3 жыл бұрын

I think he suffered a narcissistic injury when she "rejected" him when he ambushed her in disguise. Think about it. This was a naive, sheltered princess where the machinations of "courtly love" were not practiced. Some old, extremely fat man grabs her. She was probably horrified and insulted thinking this was some lecherous courtier. But does Henry think of that? No. He gets his ego bruised and rejects her in a vindictive way so as not to be "humiliated" in his own court. Pure narcissistic response. The way she played the end of the marriage was pure genius. She stroked his enormous ego, "humbled" herself and agreed to his terms with "gratitude". As a result, she gained her freedom, was respected and honored at court, became very wealthy and lived her life on her terms. And most importantly, was not banished to live out her days as a captive, or worse, did not lose her head. She is kick ass.

That letter was a masterpiece of craft and saved her head,literally!

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, it was quite something. She was a clever woman.

@mattpbent

3 жыл бұрын

Considering she didn't speak English initially

I’ve always felt drawn to Anne of Cleves. Even though she may have felt disappointed in how things with Henry turned out and was not as educated as Henry’s past wives she showed wisdom in not fighting Henry as her letter proves. I feel she was fortunate because she kept her life, was afforded well monetary, was considered third in the realm and seemed to enjoy her life.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I like her too. She's always overshadowed by the others, but I really do consider her the luckiest of them all, when everything is considered.

@esmeraldaweatherwaxe970

2 жыл бұрын

not educated? how do you mean, she was every bit as educated as the Boleyn sisters, she just lacked the courtisan skills, which not every woman aspires to.

If I was a noble woman or princess, I wouldn't wanna marry Henry either.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree. Christina of Milan wasn't too keen on the idea either.

@einezcrespo2107

3 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling In fairness to Christina she had a supportive uncle Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire who wasn't really that keen on the idea. What would happen if he wasn't or she was born in an ambitious family like the Howards? In that respect Christina was lucky.

@einezcrespo2107

3 жыл бұрын

"Praise be to God! Here is a stroke of great good fortune for our house!" Gabriel de Rochechouart de Mortemart. In an era where there's no such thing as women's rights and if you are a member of an ambitious family wanting to get close to a king looking for a new wife I'd say good luck trying to say no thanks.

@englishatheart

3 жыл бұрын

If you *were.* Not "was."

@robinlillian9471

3 жыл бұрын

@@einezcrespo2107 Henry got several rejections from royal women before he was accepted by the family of Anne of Cleves. By #4, everyone knew what happened to his wives, or almost everyone.

Historically she is overlooked by Queens KOA, Anne B & Katherine Parr, but hats off to Anne of Cleves. King Henry Vlll, was the gross one. Clever and adaptable. A former Tudor Queen, turned single, wealthy gentlewoman and well liked. R.E.S.P.E.C.T! 👊✨

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree :-)

@marybarleycorn8329

3 жыл бұрын

Me too!

@graceskerp

3 жыл бұрын

Actually, she was more than a gentlewoman. Henry granted her the status of a royal sister, in the court pecking order right behind his sisters, Margaret and Mary.

I think she figured Henry out and "played the game" so as not to become yet another wife put to death. Her letter was perfect stroking Henry's Ego while giving him what he wanted without complaint and in doing so she able to enjoy a comfortable life without the constant worry of keeping that old rancid man happy. A clever woman indeed.

She is the luckiest. Homes, wealth, and acceptance at court. She was far better off than most divorces of our generation!

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

So true! :-)

Christina of Denmark responded to Henry 8th's marriage proposal the following way ; "I have but one head. And none to loose..." 😉

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

I know. Imagine how awkward it would have been for her if her family had gone ahead and ordered her to marry him after it became known she said that!

@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131

3 жыл бұрын

She probably wouldn't have lasted very long, if they had sent her to mad old Tudor England, and that loose cannon of a king......😨

@robinlillian9471

3 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling She probably knew it wouldn't happen.

@martas9283

2 жыл бұрын

brilliant!

I love it. She really *did* rise like a phoenix from the ashes. It's quite inspirational considering all of life's trials and tribulations 👏🏻

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

I know. She's a great survivor tale. I don't think I could have done as well as she did.

I think their disastrous first meeting doomed the marriage. Henry in disguise grabbed her and kissed her; supposedly, she wiped her mouth in disgust. Henry, always told he was young and handsome by his sycophants, was humiliated.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think it was all downhill from there too.

@lesliepropheter5040

3 жыл бұрын

Any man that grabs you and kisses you in public when you’re waiting for an appointment with King Henry the 8th for a marriage proposal, would have had his head cut off. I’m sure Anne’s reaction was acceptable.

@barbaral743

3 жыл бұрын

@Leslie Propheter, Henry believed the chivalric tradition that true lovers would recognize each other despite the disguise. It was a disastrous beginning.

@user-fq8rs7rz3i

3 ай бұрын

Bingo. It was she who rejected him. So he spun a story to cover his humiliation.

Her life was far from perfect but as Henry's wife, she probably would have been expected to produce children, which was far from certain in his state of health. And his court was a political snake pit, full of people jostling to pull her down and set up their own candidate. No question she was the luckiest.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

I'll second that. :-)

@hogwashmcturnip8930

3 жыл бұрын

I don't think it was luck. I think that is to diminish what she did. She played her hand perfectly, got everything she wanted and walked away with her head on her shoulders. Not only that, but Henry became genuine friends with her.. She got invited to court, mixed with the royal children (Elizabeth was especially fond of her I believe. Hmm, I wonder where her pragmatism and self preservation came from?) Come on, that dumb virgin thing? that was class! 'He comes to bed kisses me 'Goodnight, sweetheart, gets up, kisses me good day sweetheart, is that not enough?' She knew damn well it was not enough, but it gave him (and her) a get out clause. KoA was offered the Same deal that Anne got property and status wise, , but being her mother's daughter, would not accept it and look how that ended.

@lilacsunshine3044

3 жыл бұрын

She may have been the one healthy strong woman that could have carried babies and stayed alive/

I love Anne of Cleaves! I don't think there was really any impediment with her first bethrotal and I think she was beautiful. Like Claire Rigeway pointed out, only the most beautiful and important would be courtiers. If she was so ugly, she wouldn't have become an habitual at court. Also, the only one who ever claimed Anne was ugly, was Henry. Not even the Spanish ambassador, who wrote about everything and everyone to Charles V, ever wrote about any ugliness on Anne's part (this is the same man who wrote that Jane Seymour was unremarkable and plain). Henry had his pride hurt, was probably impotent by this time and put the blame on Anne. Also, I don't think she was simply lucky: she was both smart and charming. She kept being a favorite at court after Henry's death, during the reign of her former stepchildren. She was respected by Mary, even though they practiced divergent religions. She was given a way out, she took it and ran for the hills and prospered in the process.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

I've never thought she was ugly either. Really, I can't see what Henry was complaining about. The poor woman looks perfectly pleasant to me.

3 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling perhaps a bit of Freudian projection going on by Henry. 😏 I also believe that Holbein's painting of her is accurate: Henry had Cromwell executed for arranging the marriage but left Holbein alone by painting a deceiving portrait? I think not. Holbein knew who he was working for and wasn't going to risk his neck for an improved rendition of a possible bride for his murderous patron. Love your content and hard work.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

@ Thank you so much and I agree that Holbein not getting into trouble does suggest an accurate portrait.

I've often wondered what happened to Anne of Cleves after Henry's haughty rejection of her. I had assumed she'd gone back to Cleves, and was surprised to learn that she had had to stay in England. As she is not (usually) mentioned in any further stories of Henry or his children, she must have been an unassuming woman, able to live quietly, despite her riches, and to navigate the changing currents of the time. Quite a feat, given the passionate natures of the Tudors. Thank you for educating me a little more than I was yesterday!

Henry's VII's luckiest wife; that's a looooooow bar, lol. But she has always fascinated me. Pragmatic, with a good head on her shoulders and her priorities entirely in order. I wish she was more appreciated. She'd make an amazing subject for a historical novel or series of novels. (And, as other commenters noted, she even managed to avoid having to have sex with Henry VIII. Any day you can avoid that is a better day than it would be otherwise.)

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

It is indeed a low bar, yet still so much better than being one of the unlucky ones (which says it all about Henry).

@Katherine_The_Okay

3 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Says so much about Henry. I kind of feel like the reason they had to outsource wife #4 is because, by then, every British girl with the least amount of sense was saying (loosely translated into 21st century English) "You want me to marry His Royal Highness? Me?!?! Uh, you know, I've been considering become a nun, but I've got a sister I really hate-- I mean HOT! I've got a sister who's really hot that he should totally marry instead of me!"

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

@@Katherine_The_Okay Haha, I just saw this response (silly KZread doesn't notify me of comments on threads, only completely new ones) and it made me laugh! Even outsourcing the wife was tricky. Christina of Milan was NOT keen, to say the least, on account of not having two heads.

@Katherine_The_Okay

3 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling (Silly youtube. Best not get me started on that topic lol.) Why do I feel like Christina of Milan's response to the idea was "Aunt Mary, have I done something to offend you lately? Also, uh, you know what, I think I'd like my mourning to last just a few decades longer..."

any woman who has ever encountered a monster like Henry, knows just how lucky Anne was, and how happy the escape was Henry provided.. not only was she rid of him, she never had to endure that kind of slavery again. 👑 What more could a woman aspire to in those days?

I've always thought she was the prettiest of the six. There's something arresting about her quiet gaze from the portrait.

@britneyup6885

3 жыл бұрын

The portrait was by far not realistic.

@leonieromanes7265

3 жыл бұрын

@@britneyup6885 It was by Holbine the best portrait painter in Britain. Anne was considered very pretty by people at court, other than Henry.

@makemecry6604

3 жыл бұрын

@@britneyup6885 Holbein is one of the greatest painters he was well known and his work was very realistic

@NathanDudani

3 жыл бұрын

@Dorkaster MoSt LiKeLy

she's always been my favourite. only married for 6 months to that evil man and she got a very handsome settlement in the annulment. Shame she only lived to 41, but she outlived them all. Definitely the luckiest of the 6 wives.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

I think so too :-) Thanks for watching and commenting.

Whilst I do believe she was the luckiest of Henry's wives, I do think it's rather blase to say that she had no real money issues after Henry died. One of the reasons for why she pleaded poverty may well have been because of her lifestyle; however, she had many homes, large homes, which all needed to be maintained despite that she could only have lived in one of her homes at any one time. She would still have had to maintain the upkeep of those estates, and all of the servants for all of her estates, and that would have been tremendously costly. Her nature was such that she wouldn't have left her servants, gardeners, estate managers, gamekeepers et al, not to mention the those whom would have had the responsibilities for any construction repairs to these homes unpaid. I also think that of all Henry's wives, her portrait is the fairest of them all.

@glen7318

3 жыл бұрын

She also seems to have worried about money after Henry's death and wanted to go back to Cleves...

She was a class act who took the high road! She also walked in wisdom, and was spared by God Almighty.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Yup, she was one clever cookie and the most fortunate of them all I think. Anne is truly the one who survived, even more so than Catherine Parr.

@LilySaintSin

3 жыл бұрын

Spared by her own intelligence. Her and Henry actually became good friends after their divorce. He gave a Palace in Chelsea and a yearly allowance.

Why do I find these people so interesting? After all the Philippa Gregory books I’m watching all these videos…it’s been decades and I can’t get enough..

The moment he wanted an annulment I can imagine her jumping around in complete and utter joy shouting ‘yippee I am free’…!

She was the luckiest by far, and likely the one who read Henry most accurately with Katherine Parr being a close second in her understanding of who Henry was.

Anne of Cleves is my favorite of all King Henry VIII’s wives. I think she is absolutely beautiful. I’m absolutely loving this channel, and have been binge watching all of your videos, they’re so informative and very well put together. Thanks for all your hard work ❤️

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you :-)

Yes, Anne of Cleves had the best situation of Henry's wives. No husband, free to speak her mind, loads of freedom, loads of wealth and status and if she indulged in food and clothing, she may have indulged in a male companion. She died younger than Katherine of Aragon but lived a happy life. Who knows how long Katherine would have lived had she had an easier time. Grief and strife can lessen a person's life.

She outlived all of them, by giving henry what he wanted a divorce & luckily didn't have to give him an heir.

@robinlillian9471

3 жыл бұрын

Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn both had daughters to protect. They fought Henry for the sake of their children's futures. Anne of Cleves just wanted her freedom & independence. She might have responded differently if she had a daughter's life at stake, too.

I always thought she was the prettiest of Henry’s wives if you go by the portraits. She definitely dodged a bullet being dumped by Henry

Anne’s letter to Henry was absolutely masterful. She played him like a fiddle and made him think it was his own idea. She secured herself as the third most important non-royal woman in England

I agree. I have always been fascinated with Anne of Cleves. I really believe she was very smart and knew when to hold her cards close to her chest.

I love your narrating so relaxing and soothing. So far haven’t found any errors in your video. So good narrating and good research! Very much appreciated!

When I see the carousel at 1:10, am I the only one who thinks of 1970s childrens TV? Great video :)

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, I hadn't thought of that, but yes. Thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

For many years I have thought Anne was the luckiest of Henry’s wives.

I see her as one damn clever woman

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Me too :-)

Anne von Cleves was very smart and witty to survive the reign of King Henry VIII. Hurrah for Anne of Cleves 💖🌺🌹❤️♥️

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly :-) Thanks for watching and commenting.

Anne's letter - wow that's a lot of words to say "I agree to a divorce"!

I do agree that she was very lucky & I think it's because of how she played the game. Basically, all she did was declare her loyalty to him & she didn't do anything to piss him off. Even though she may have endured some embarrassment after being casted off for one of her younger ladies-in-waiting, she still lived comfortably and had many privileges. I do agree that it would have been worse to still be married to a volatile tempered robust man who was very mercurial & unpredictable. He was a complete sadistic egomaniac & narcissist, so one wrong move & it would have been off with her head. Anne had the perfect temperament, she was not ambitious & cunning like Anne Boleyn...or careless & petulant like Katherine Howard. She remained humble & modest, grateful for what she was given & did not complain.

It makes me smile when you preface with "if you stay til the end". As if I wouldn't stay til the end! Your podcasts are fascinating and your voice is spot on. Thank you. Xx

I really enjoy your videos, been binge watching them all night. I’m an amateur historian studying for my degree and it’s refreshing to see historic videos based on historic facts unlike other history KZreadrs. I have subscribed and look forward to other videos :)

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Charlotte, thanks for watching and commenting. I'm so glad you like the videos. Best of luck with your degree. :-)

You do SO well at these. In 2003 I seen a biography on Henry and his wives. I was hooked ever since. I read Weir and Starkey's books. You're so spot on at recollecting and reporting what was historically accurate of the time. I can't thank you enough for your channel! I love it 🌹

I agree with you, it’s not the length of life but the quality of it that answers your question. Anne had the best quality in the end regardless of if she admitted it of not.

Good for Her! Thanks for the program, Well done.

I love your videos, please keep making them. I've been binge watching

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Will do!

What an excellent video! I just discovered your channel and am absolutely thrilled 😊 I always thought of Anne of Cleves as the luckiest of Henry's wives. 🌼

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

Thankyou so much for your historical detail bringing this ancient story to life!

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome :-)

Wow such intimate insight into this time period really enjoying your channel, cant wait to see what you have coming next.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. :-)

Anne of Cleves was described as being the "ugliest" of all of King Henry's wives. But in the show The Tudors, the actress that portrayed Anne of Cleves...I believe was the most beautiful of them all. Especially in the Christmas episode. Her dress, her smile, her character, her actions. Her innocence. Everything about her was Beautiful. I can't remember the actress name, but I believe she was the Prettiest out of all King Henry's wives on the TV show The Tudors.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Joss Stone (also a singer) and yes, very pretty. I don't think Anne was actually ugly I have to say. Just not to Henry's taste. She's looks fine to me in the Holbein portrait.

Anne’s story shows how to survive in your life in the royal circle gracefully in the century.

I agree. She was very lucky. I highly recommend the 1960s BBC "The Six Wives of Henry the 8th" miniseries.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'll see if I can see it anywhere.

@samanthafordyce5795

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. The episode with Anne of Cleves is quite imaginative and amusing as well.

She’s definitely my favourite of the queens. I actually think we could have been friends, she sounds very sweet.

This is an excellent video and I enjoyed it very much. I stumbled over your channel while looking for a new history channel. You have an excellent voice and fine delivery. I find that most young women on YT have high shrill voices. They talk too fast and giggle a lot even if they have subjects that are serious. They always seem to be playing with their hair and doing goofy things in front of the camera. It really puts me off. Keep up with the great work.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kate and welcome :-) I appreciate the nice comment on my voice too, as I get some flack for my accent and other people complaining that I go too fast for them (though actually I'm speaking more slowly than I do in regular conversation). I hope you continue to enjoy the channel.

Anne willingly gave Henry what he wanted, and he rewarded her handsomely for it. The alternative would likely have been the block for her. Smart lady.

@hogwashmcturnip8930

3 жыл бұрын

I don't think he would have sent her to the block. The only wives he Did send to the block were Native ones. Anne, like KoA had Very influential family ties and Henry was in no position to start a war. In fact the whole marriage was political. Not quite sure what he would have done with her, if she Had played up; that would have depended on the political roll of the dice I reckon. But i am pretty sure he would Not have executed her. He could not afford to. Send her back, make her life a misery like KoA, who knows?

@robinlillian9471

3 жыл бұрын

She didn't have a daughter to worry about, so it was easier for her to just go along with a situation that gave her both wealth & independence. The first two wives did.

Do you have any recommendations for learning more about textiles, household & everyday items in Tudor times?

Yes, it seems to me that Anne was quite fortunate, all in all. She escaped the misery of continuing to be Henry VIII's wife, yet for some curious reason he respected her. And for what reason? Was the man even capable of guilt because he physically rejected Anne? That he treated her so well as to call her a "sister" is very, very intriguing.

I often forget this one existed, because she's one of the FEW wives who escaped Henry virtually unscathed. For once, his piggishness benefitted someone other than himself.

Didn't that acceptance letter work a treat. I can just hear her say ' let's get the booze out' whenever someone dropped by. ' And I'll show you my latest outfit.' Well put together and narrated. Thank you.

Tbh I'd trade places with Anne of Cleves quite happily. Financially secure and independent, has her own household with lots of servants who even have a good personal relationship with her, a powerful benefactor she doesn't need to sleep with or see all too often, an adopted family of sorts, basically no drama, doesn't have to work, can do needlework all day and gets to live in Pre-Brexit England... sounds like a good life! Obviously the lack of modern comforts and medical/sanitation standards make it a whole lot less comfortable, but I could definitely see myself be happy as her and make the most of it, unlike as any of Henry's other wives.

My mother always said Anne of Cleves got the best deal of all his wives. She was upgraded in status & wealth from her upbringing, & she wS the only one who received consistently good treatment from Henry VIII.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

I think your mum was completely right :-)

I've always assumed that when Henry wanted out that Anne had to be the most relieved woman who ever lived. I think he repulsed her and she got a heck of a good deal. I absolutely agree with the "brains and talent" comment. She was lucky he wanted out. The rest was her. She's the one I'd be, given a choice.

10:40: The description and graphics might mis-imply that Catherine Parr died of puerpural (misspelled; should be "puerperal") fever while still Henry's wife. She married Thomas Seymour after Henry died and that's the marriage that produced the pregnancy that resulted in her puerperal fever death, poor woman.

I whole heartedly agree with you about Anne of Cleves, she was the luckiest of Henry's wives. She has always been my favorite for she never was big headed about herself as his other wives save that of his last one. That one should have been a Nun if you ask me. No, Anne of Cleves took pleasure in the simple things around her and was appreciative of what she got out of life. Yes, she was the luckiest of Henry the eighth's wives.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and are an 'Anne fan' like me. :-)

She came to England to be a wife and a queen, and that’s what she expected to be. It must have been dreadfully humiliating for her to have been rejected by the king - especially given that he was an obese 49 year old at the time. At the age of only 25 she was condemned to a life of celibacy and childlessness (as she could neither remarry nor take a lover after her divorce from Henry). I don’t think Anne was lucky at all, and I’ll bet she didn’t think so either.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

I agree with you that she wasn't lucky overall, just in comparison to Henry's other wives (but then Henry did set the bar pretty low there, what with the beheadings and desertion).

@robinlillian9471

3 жыл бұрын

Celibacy was a blessing, compared to being Henry's wife. Childlessness is only a problem if your husband demands a son. She could always have adopted or fostered children. The wealth & independence weren't so bad, either. You don't really know that she was celibate. There are activities that don't cause pregnancy.

@Vydio

2 жыл бұрын

Technically her marriage to Henry was annulled. I am not certain she could not have married if that had been her desire. Henry was very anxious to be on good terms with her .... if she'd indicated a desire for a marriage Henry would have been scouring the countryside attempting to get her one. I don't think she wanted to remarry, she had too good a deal with what she had. Why would she risk it?

Definitely. She walked away from Henry with her head intact, and with the best deal -- a generous financial and real estate settlement. Talk about "escape from the chateau," LOL!

Also, Anne of Cleves didn't know a lot of English, primarily German. So when that divorce settlement happened, she took it. Smartest of the wives.

Lovely to listen to this, thanks.

@HistoryCalling

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for listening :-)

@rajivradha

2 жыл бұрын

I’m going to her house in Sussex.

Anne of Cleves was the only wife of Henry VIII buried in Westminster. No I would NOT trade places with any of Henry's wives.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

No, I wouldn't do so willingly either, but if I had to, I think it would be Anne.

Always thought she landed on her feet, especially in comparison to his other wives. Hilarious for Henry to be so sure she would be devastated by not staying married to him that he "compensated" for this by his financial generosity. I always thought that after his death Anne's pension was cut and that's why she had to keep petitioning to be restored. Also thought that she and Holbein saw a lot of each other. It seemed a lovely idea to me that one of the children she adopted was actually theirs. Perfect letter to Henry - sculpted and crafted well

My most favourite queen of England ❤️she was intelligent (although she didn't get the best education like Henry's some of the other wives like catherine of Aragon, Ann Boleyn and katherine Parr,she definitely was the most intelligent amongst these wives with incredible innate wisdom) she played it cool while Henry humiliated her,that probably helped her keeping her head and eventually when Henry cooled down and their divorce it might created some empathy in Henry for her...she didn't put her opinion in front of her crazy lad husband,she didn't fought back to regain her status of "England's Queen"...she just went with the flow that helped her and Henry developing a pretty friendly, trusting relationship after their marriage...and she also increased her wealth, helped commoners to gain their trust, support for her, and she eventually outlived all of the other wives and Henry himself... truly an intelligent woman of her time ❤️also a beautiful lady,it was Henry's insecurities that caused him letting her down in every way possible 🙄yeah says an overweight man with ulcerated legs from with oozes dirty puss that can be smelled from 3rooms away 🙂

Anne of Cleaves was the luckiest one of all! She was left with money a lovely home, Hever Castle, she outlived him. Lucky Anne.

Now that is one looong run-on sentence! (referring to Anne's letter to Henry haha)

For someone who didn't speak any English she was very eloquent in the letter of submission, love your channel, thanks.

Can you do a video about countess Ermesinde of Luxembourg? Fascinating story that no one knows or talks about.

@HistoryCalling

2 жыл бұрын

I'll certainly Google her and take a look. I haven't heard of her before.

@jeffm902

2 жыл бұрын

You won’t regret it! Many legends associated with her and she is seen as a national icon to this day because of her granting charters of freedom to cities. Dramatic rise to the throne as well. Luxembourg history is quite fascinating and underrated! Thanks for your videos. I’m binge-watching!

She was Ann of Cleve(s)r 👌

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, it took me a moment to get this, but you're saying she was clever, right?

Where i live she is shown everywhere in the town as she looked after it and stayed here often xxx

Of all the portraits, hers is by far my favorite. Her eyes are so beautiful. To each their own I guess...

great vids.....the only thing i dont like is how youtube puts 4 lots of ad breaks on it so annoying

She didn't recognize him, and didn't treated him with the reverence he expected. His ego was hurt. But he wouldn't admit that, so he called her ugly. Pathetic

This is a good example of how giving bullies and people in power (who's position has gone to their heads) the satisfaction of feeling they have won, is often very wise. Making them believe you acknowledge that they are superior and far cleverer than you means their work is done. They don't have to force this recognition from you. They are happily content that you understand that you are no rival for them, and then willingly reward you for it; as much to continue your placation, as to demonstrate to all others how their allies and supporters are treated for the better (as opposed to those that dare contest and argue). People with power issues will always choose to show themselves as fair and kind if they are given an easy way to do so, because it supports their own perception of themselves as the hero rather than the villain. People who treat others badly often make big gestures to balance their bad behaviour. I am not suggesting that anyone should allow themselves to be treated badly for fear of being treated worse, but back then for Ann it could have been a life or death decision. All I mean is that sometimes it's okay to pick your battles. Sometimes it's okay to choose to let someone feel they have won to avoid a conflict that will end badly for all. Or to give you time to gather your strength and evidence to bring the battle when you're better prepared.

I definitely agree with you!

Just found your channel; great information. I did my Masters degree in Literature; my specialties including Medieval and Renaissance Historiography. Love how you show the evidence in an eloquent way. Also is that an Ulster accent I detect? I too am from N.Ireland :) I think Anne was very smart-focus is often on her ugliness but I'm sure I've read contempary accounts were she is described as pretty (apologies can't recall where) and who's to say she didn't find Henry repulsive at this time, and glad to be a sister instead of a wife!

@HistoryCalling

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much and yes, it is indeed an Ulster accent. You know, you're the first person I can think of who's known to call it that. I usually just get asked if I'm Irish as I think foreigners struggle to tell the difference between Northern Irish and Southern (which is understandable enough as they don't hear either one very often in movies or on TV) . I don't think Anne was ugly either - just not to Henry's taste.

@etherealechoes9907

2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Snap! I often get called Scottish-I grew up in North East England and now live in Scotland but my Irish accent is still there! (I talk on my own channel but mainly sing)-nowhere near the quality of your videos :) I plan to upload a video I did mainly on Elizabeth Woodvile but generally covering The Wars of the Roses. Yes I don't think Anne was. He was the type of man that'd use any excuse to get his own way! Your content is addictive! xxx

I live around the corner from where Manor House used to be.

Living longer (like Katherine the Great) is NOT lucky when you're living in misery, poverty, and forcibly separated from your only living child by your, CLEARLY, psychopathic and all powerful ex-husband. It's like the beginning of a sad fairy tale that never found its' happy ending. 😔 I would say this Anne was, by far, the luckiest. She was also very smart; she took an apparent lemon (the King's rejection of her - a blessing in disguise), and made Mike's Hard Lemonade 😁👍.

Thank you.

She most definitely was the most lucky of Henry’s wives. Bravo and well done Anne

It is interesting to me that as a young woman in her early twenties, she kept her cool and accepted the King's offer. Did she have a counselor or was she just was clever? It seems the young people back then were more mature or politically savvy than you would expect.

I absolutely love your videos so much! I would love your views on the accuracies and inaccuracies of the show The Tudors. I would love to know the facts behind that show. Can't wait to see more amazing videos from you.

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. I don't know if I could ever do a video on the show as it would be so long, but basically, though it had a lot of inaccuracies (the main ones being that almost everyone looked far too good, far too young and didn't age much) it was overall actually fairly close to the truth. There were also little things in there which were accurate but which the average person wouldn't have known were accurate (like Jane Seymour having a hankering for quail eggs when she was pregnant). This always suggested to me that they certainly had historical advisors and did listen to them, just not all the time. At the other end of the spectrum, some people were aged up, but that's because they had to be. The actress playing Katherine Willoughby (Henry Cavill's second wife), should have been about 14 I think, but that presented obvious problems given the nature of the show. Tamzin Merchant was above 18 I believe, though Katherine Howard may not have been. Again, this makes total sense given what she needed to do. Why the actress playing Henry's sister, Margaret Tudor (actually Mary in real life), wasn't significantly younger, I never understood. Mary Tudor was about 18/19 I think when the King of France (not Portugal) and Charles Brandon married her. I think the actress was in her 30s. Joely Richardson was also significantly older than Catherine Parr, but I guess they wanted a big name. The costumes weren't really accurate, but they were at least cohesive, as in everyone looked like they were living in the same place at the same time and they were of course, beautiful too, so I'll give a pass there. If you want to see what disastrous costuming looks like, check out Reign. Phew. I hope that helps :-)

@marykcherry

3 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling huge help thank you very much for the details!!

@HistoryCalling

3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome.

I completely agree with you on this matter. Anne jumped at the chance of being a free woman, and she did enjoy a lot more freedom than her counterparts. i cannot imagine frequently getting pregnant still in the teens, or having the head chopped off on some made-up charges. Anne did have a lucky escape.

Definitely the most fortunate of the six. Through her very wise acquiescence to the annulment, she became, for her time, that most rare thing----a free and wealthy woman who could dispose of that wealth as she liked while living resplendently in castle or palace that she personally owned. Still considered a high-ranking member of the royal family, she was free to attend court if she wished, and to form close relationships with Henry's children, especially his daughters, of whom she became very fond. She did not have to deal with the always dangerous and paranoid Henry,, nor, seemingly, with the unwanted suitors who would normally plague well-off women to get their greedy hands on the woman's wealth, for fear of the King's wrath. "Lucky" Katherine Parr would be beguiled into remarriage a few months after Henry's death by an unscrupulous and power-hungry man who used her wealth and royal connections even as he attempted to seduce her 14-year-old stepdaughter Princess Elizabeth, who was under Katherine's protection.. It broke Katherine's heart, and she died a few months later, bearing his child. Lucky? I hardly think so.

A castle and allowance? That’s a hell of a consolation prize. Were it not for 21st century conveniences , I’d say she had a better life than me lol