Discover the life of Anna von Cleve – guided tour in Cleve on June 8th!

Discover the life of Anna von Cleve – guided tour in Cleve on June 8th!

On June 8, 2025, those interested will have the opportunity to take part in a special tour about the life of Anne of Cleves. The event is organized by the Economy, Tourism & Marketing City of Kleve GmbH (WTM) and begins at 3 p.m. at the collegiate church in Kleve. Tour guide Birgit van den Boom will take on the role of Anne of Cleves and lead guests through a walk lasting around two hours.

The tour's topics include Anne of Cleves' childhood and youth in Düsseldorf, her wedding to King Henry VIII in 1540 and her life in England until her death. The participation fee for this historical tour is 10 euros; registration is required, either via www.kleve-tourismus.de or by calling WTM Stadt Kleve on 02821 84806.

Anne of Cleves – an important historical figure

Often referred to as the “first German Queen of England,” Anna of Cleves 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 Henry expressed a desire to remarry due to his failed marriages. The pressure to form a politically advantageous alliance was great as Henry had fallen into depression following the death of his third wife, Jane Seymour.

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

An unhappy marriage

The first meeting between Henry and Anna took place on January 1, 1540, where the king was disappointed with Anna's appearance. Despite their wedding on January 6, 1540 in Greenwich, Henry stated after the wedding night that he did not love Anna and the marriage was not consummated. Anna was inexperienced in sexual matters, which led to Henry's plans to have the marriage annulled.

On June 24, 1540, Anna was sent to Richmond and finally received news of the divorce. Henry declared the marriage invalid on July 9, 1540, but Anna remained in England and led an independent life. She earned recognition for her generosity and outlived Henry and his other wives.

Anna died of cancer on July 16, 1557 and was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey. Her life reflects the complexities of political alliances and the challenges of personal relationships in a turbulent time. The upcoming tour in Kleve offers the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating historical figure.