The Consummation of Anna of Cleves’ and Henry VIII’s Marriage

by Heather R. Darsie, J.D. For decades, if not centuries, it has been assumed that Henry VIII of England and Anna of Cleves never consummated their marriage. The Secret Council that met to devise a way for Henry to have an annulment of his marriage to Anna, rather than a divorce, knew that they had to create air-tight documents to support the idea that Henry … Continue reading The Consummation of Anna of Cleves’ and Henry VIII’s Marriage

Origin of Anna of Cleves’ Family

by Heather R. Darsie, J. D. Anna von der Mark and her siblings, deemed by their father to be known as being “of Cleves”, his family’s territory, came from a somewhat new line of ducal power. The Duchy of Cleves existed as a county for hundreds of years before becoming a duchy. From whom the dynasty descends is a bit of a mystery, but thankfully, … Continue reading Origin of Anna of Cleves’ Family