Anne of Cleves: What the Sources Really Say
About this episode
The episode challenges the narrative of the marriage between Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves, exploring their relationship and the sources that document it.
Was the marriage between Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves truly doomed from the beginning - or has hindsight distorted the story? Dr. Valerie Schutte joins me to challenge the familiar narrative of Henry’s immediate disgust and Anne’s disastrous failure as queen. We examine what the sources reveal when read chronologically, from their first meeting at Rochester and the couple’s communication difficulties to the questionable testimony used to secure their annulment. We also explore Anne’s religious identity, her status as the king’s “beloved sister,” and the remarkable relationship she maintained with Henry and his children long after the marriage ended. Buy - Anne of Cleves: The Historical and Cultural Legacy of a Queen -- Join our history community over on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Dr. Valerie Schutte
People in this episode
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Valerie Schutte
Topics covered
- Henry VIII
- Anne of Cleves
- marriage
- historical narrative
- religious identity
- annulment
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Anne of Cleves: The Historical and Cultural Legacy of a Queen
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