Six wives: Anne of Cleves
Dr Elizabeth Norton and Dr Tracy Borman reveal how the woman commonly mocked as a “Flanders mare” actually led a full and fascinating life
Anne of Cleves is remembered as a comedy anecdote, a figure of mockery who repulsed King Henry VIII on first sight. But her reputation deserves to be rescued from this myth. In episode four of our new series on the dramatic marital history of England’s most notorious monarch, Dr Elizabeth Norton and Dr Tracy Borman join Ellie Cawthorne to reveal how the so-called “Flanders mare” was in fact a much-admired woman with a full, fascinating and independent life.
Related content
- Profile | Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII's most successful queen?
- Explainer | Henry VIII’s six wives: your guide to the Tudor king's queen consorts
- Quiz | Henry VIII’s wives: how well do you know the six women he married?
On the podcast | Explore the full Six Wives series
The story of King Henry VIII’s six wives is a tale of political crisis and personal tragedy, sacrifice and survival, sex and death, scandal, love and betrayal. But, after centuries of myth have built up around this story, has it clouded our view of the real women involved? We’ll be peeling back the layers of mythmaking to take another look at these fascinating women, who shaped the course of Henry’s reign – and the history of England.
- Episode 1 | Catherine of Aragon
- Episode 2 | Anne Boleyn
- Episode 3 | Jane Seymour
- Episode 5 | Catherine Howard
- Episode 6 | Katherine Parr
In video | Discover the secrets of the Tudor queens
In our accompanying six-part video series, leading Tudor historians delve into the fascinating lives of each of Henry VIII’s iconic queens. Could Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard have avoided the executioner’s block? Why can Anne of Cleves be seen as the true survivor? And who was the queen whom Henry loved most?
Find out in this video series exclusively available to HistoryExtra subscribers. All episodes are available to watch now:
- Episode 1 | Catherine of Aragon: A woman born to rule
- Episode 2 | Anne Boleyn: From trailblazer to traitor
- Episode 3 | Jane Seymour: The queen Henry loved most?
- Episode 4 | Anne of Cleves: The ultimate survivor
- Episode 5 | Catherine Howard: Victim of the patriarchy
- Episode 6 | Katherine Parr: Political powerhouse
Want to learn more about the queens?
- Explore the full podcast and video series plus a range of companion content from across HistoryExtra on our Six Wives hub
Authors
Ellie Cawthorne is HistoryExtra’s podcast editor. She also contributes to BBC History Magazine, runs the podcast newsletter and hosts several live and virtual BBC History Magazine events.
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