Author Topic: Anna of Cleves  (Read 60070 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline jehan

  • Graf
  • ***
  • Posts: 260
    • View Profile
Re: Anna of Cleves
« Reply #105 on: September 15, 2009, 10:22:58 PM »
I always asked why did Anna stayed in England after Henry VIII got divorced of her, He didn't
imagine that his wife wasn't as beautiful as she looked in her portrait. Poor lady.

I think she was happier to stay in England, where her divorce settlement left her an extremely wealthy and independent woman, with her own homes and property.  I think she would have lost some of her settlement had she returned to Cleves.  But I think there was no incentive for her to return home, where she would have been under her brother's control once again, rather than have the freedom she obtained as an honoured "sister" to the king, where she could visit court on occasion, see her (ex) stepchildren (who were fond of her), and live her own life.

I don't think she was an especially pitiable person- think she fared rather well, under the circumstances.
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in. 
(leonard Cohen)

Offline Yelena Aleksandrovna

  • Velikye Knyaz
  • ****
  • Posts: 3730
    • View Profile
    • *Glitter Of The Past*
Re: Anna of Cleves
« Reply #106 on: September 16, 2009, 08:08:53 PM »
I said poor because she was despised for her husband, but perhaps she
was happier alone, she was forced to marry with someone that she didn't
want. Happily she could be happier in England than if she decided to return to Cleves.