Discover the life of Anna von Cleve - leadership on June 8th in Kleve!

Discover the life of Anna von Cleve - leadership on June 8th in Kleve!

On June 8, 2025, interested parties have the opportunity to take a special tour of Anna von Kleve's life. The event is organized by the economy, Tourismus & Marketing Stadt Kleve GmbH (WTM) and begins at 3 p.m. at the collegiate church in Kleve. Guided guide Birgit van den Boom will play the role of Anna von Kleve and lead the guests through a two -hour walk.

The topics of the leadership include Anna from Kleve's childhood and youth in Düsseldorf, her wedding with King Henry VIII in 1540 and her life in England until her death. The participation amount for this historical leadership is 10 euros, registration is required, either via www.kleve-tourismus.de or by phone at WTM Stadt Kleve on 02821 84806.

Anna von Kleve - an important historical figure

Anna von Kleve, who is often referred to as the "first German queen of England", plays a central role in English history. Her marriage alliance with King Henry VIII was initiated by Thomas Cromwell in the context of geopolitical considerations after Heinrich had expressed the wish to marry again because of his failed marriages. The pressure to enter into a politically advantageous connection was great because Heinrich had crashed into depression after the death of his third wife Jane Seymour.

Anna was selected by a portrait of Hans Holbein as the attractive bride that Heinrich was looking for. This signed the marriage contract on October 6, 1539, and Anna received a lush dowry of 100,000 gold guilders, 40,000 of which were paid on the wedding day. It was a transit of 263 people and 283 horses to England, which was organized by security concerns about land.

an unfortunate marriage

The first encounter between Heinrich and Anna took place on January 1, 1540, in which the king was disappointed with Anna's appearance. Despite her wedding on January 6, 1540 in Greenwich, Heinrich said after the wedding night that he was not love and marriage was not done. Anna was inexperienced in sexual matters, which led to Heinrich's plans to have the marriage canceled.

On June 24, 1540, Anna was sent to Richmond and finally received the news from the divorce. Heinrich declared the marriage invalid on July 9, 1540, but Anna remained in England and led an independent life. She acquired recognition for her generosity and survived Heinrich and his other women.

Anna died of cancer on July 16, 1557 and found her final resting place in the Westminster Abbey. Your life reflects the complexity of political alliances and the challenges of personal relationships in a turbulent period. With the upcoming tour in Kleve, there is the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating historical figure.