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Anne of Cleves

Anne of Cleves (1515–1557) was a German noblewoman who became the fourth wife of Henry VIII of England in 1540.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Anne of Cleves (1515–1557) was a German noblewoman who became the fourth wife of Henry VIII of England in 1540. Her marriage to Henry was annulled after about six months, and she was later known as the king’s “beloved sister.”

Early life

Anne was born in 1515 in Düsseldorf in the Duchy of Cleves. She was part of a German noble family connected to the politics of the Holy Roman Empire.

Marriage to Henry VIII

Anne was married to Henry VIII in January 1540 as part of a diplomatic alliance. The marriage was annulled later that year after only a few months, and she was never crowned queen.

Life after annulment

After the annulment, Anne stayed in England and was given property and a settlement. Sources describe her later relationship with the English royal family as respectful and politically quiet.

Death and burial

Anne died in 1557 in London and was buried at Westminster Abbey. Accounts differ slightly on the exact day of death, but 16 July 1557 is commonly given.

Key facts

  • Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of Henry VIII, married in January 1540 and annulled in July 1540.
  • She was never crowned queen.
  • After the annulment, she remained in England and received a settlement.
  • She died in 1557 and was buried at Westminster Abbey.
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Canadian context

Anne of Cleves is mainly of historical interest to Canadian readers as part of Tudor and European history taught in schools and covered in museum and heritage contexts.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Anne of Cleves?
Anne of Cleves was a German noblewoman and the fourth wife of Henry VIII of England.
When did Anne of Cleves marry Henry VIII?
She married Henry VIII on 6 January 1540.
Why was the marriage annulled?
The marriage was annulled in July 1540 after only a short time; sources describe it as unsuccessful and not crowned.
Did Anne of Cleves become queen of England?
She was queen consort by marriage, but she was never crowned queen.
What happened to Anne of Cleves after the annulment?
She remained in England, received a settlement, and lived relatively quietly for the rest of her life.
Where is Anne of Cleves buried?
She was buried at Westminster Abbey.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_of_Cleves
    Supports: Birth and death dates; identification as Henry VIII’s fourth wife; marriage dates.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anne-of-Cleves-queen-of-England
    Supports: Biographical overview; death date and place; role as fourth wife of Henry VIII.
  3. Westminster Abbey — https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/royals/anne-of-cleves-4th-wife-of-henry-viii
    Supports: Birth place and date; marriage date; annulment; burial at Westminster Abbey.
  4. History.co.uk — https://www.history.co.uk/biographies/anne-of-cleves
    Supports: Birth in Cleves; life after annulment; later public appearances and death.
  5. History Hit — https://www.historyhit.com/who-was-anne-of-cleves/
    Supports: Identity, marriage, annulment, and post-annulment status as Henry VIII’s sister.