TR022 Katherine of Aragon & Anne of Cleves’

     Katherine was a Spanish princess and Henry’s first wife and also the widow of his older brother, Arthur.  After 24 years of marriage and the birth of their daughter, Mary, Henry annulled the marriage in order to pursue Anne Boleyn.
     When the Pope in Rome refused Henry’s wish for an annulment he simply left the Church of Rome and decided to set up his very own Church of England which in turn triggered the English Reformation.
     Anne of Cleves was Henry’s fourth marriage and the only one to be unconsummated which led to a very swift ending after just six months.
     Anne also happily accepted the marriage annulment when it swiftly came.  This certainly gained the King’s favour and ensured both her life and a generous settlement that included her own home, Hever Castle.