by Heather R. Darsie Anne of Cleves by Hans Holbein, 1539 Anna von Kleve, known to English speakers as Anne of Cleves, left her homeland in December 1539 to join her new husband, Henry VIII of England. The two had been married by proxy a couple months earlier, in October. After Henry successfully negotiated the marriage alliance with Anna’s younger brother Wilhelm, Duke of Cleves … Continue reading If by Land or by Sea
by Heather R. Darsie Unknown Woman, previously identified as Amalia of Cleves by Hans Holbein, c. 1539 After just over six months of marriage, on 9 July 1540, Anna von Kleve, more commonly known as Anne of Cleves, was divorced from Henry VIII of England. As part of her reward for acquiescing so easily to Henry’s request, she would forever after be known in England … Continue reading Amalia of Cleves, Sister of Anne of Cleves
by Heather R. Darsie Unknown Woman by Hans Holbein, c. 1539 After just over six months of marriage, on 9 July 1540, Anna von der Mark, more commonly known as Anne of Cleves, was divorced from Henry VIII of England. As part of her reward for acquiescing so easily to Henry’s request, she would forever after be known in England as the Daughter of Cleves … Continue reading Amalia of Cleves, Sister of Anna of Cleves
by Heather R. Darsie Sibylle von Kleve, who signed her name as “Sybylla,” was born on 17 July 1512. Sybylla eventually became older sister to Anna von Kleve, more commonly known as Anne of Cleves or Henry VIII’s fourth wife, in 1515. Sybylla, the eldest of Maria von Julich-Berg’s children with Duke Johann von Kleve, was elevated to the station of Electress Consort through her … Continue reading Sibylle, the Other Daughter of Cleves
by Heather R. Darsie Sibylle von der Mark, simply known as “Sybylla of Cleves” during her lifetime, was born on 17 July 1512. Sybylla eventually became older sister to Anna von von der Mark, more commonly known as Anne of Cleves or Henry VIII’s fourth wife, in 1515. Sybylla, the eldest of Maria von Julich-Berg’s children with Duke Johann III of Cleves, was elevated to … Continue reading Sybylla, the Other Daughter of Cleves
On 25 October 1415, Henry V of England took on French forces at the Battle of Agincourt. The 100 Years War “This day is called the Feast of St. Crispian.” The Battle of Agincourt was one of numerous battles fought during the 100 Years’ War, which began in approximately 1337 and formally ended in about 1453. The 100 Years’ War was fought over a struggle … Continue reading The Battle of Agincourt
by Heather R. Darsie Gloriana, Elizabeth I, is the famous virgin-queen of England. She never took a husband. Much speculation has swirled around Elizabeth’s decision to remain single. Several tragic, if not traumatic, events are cited as reasons why Elizabeth chose not to marry. Elizabeth was born 7 September 1533. On 19 May 1536, when Elizabeth was not quite three years of age, her … Continue reading Gloriana and the Green Ruby
by Heather R. Darsie Tragedy struck Queen Margaret when her loving husband died on 9 September 1513 at the Battle of Flodden, leaving their 17-month-old son as king. Although she may not have known at the time, Margaret was also two months pregnant with her last child conceived between Margaret and her deceased husband. Now queen dowager, Margaret had to act quickly to protect not … Continue reading Margaret, Tudor Gateway to the United Kingdom, Part III
In celebration of Margaret Tudor’s marriages first to King James IV of Scotland on 8 August 1503 and then to Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus on 6 August 1514, we are going to take a look at the three phases of Margaret’s life, continuing with her time as Queen of Scots. The marriage of James IV, the Thistle, and Margaret Tudor, the Rose, … Continue reading Margaret, Tudor Gateway to the United Kingdom, Part II
In celebration of Margaret Tudor’s marriages first to King James IV of Scotland on 8 August 1503 and then to Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus on 6 August 1514, we are going to take a look at the three phases of Margaret’s life, beginning with her time as a Tudor princess. Detail of a Family Tree of King James I. of England, to … Continue reading Margaret, Tudor Gateway to the United Kingdom, Part I
Maidens and Manuscripts: Taking a fresh look at people and events from 1347 to 1625, with a focus on women and illuminated manuscripts 