Charlie Fenton’s Reviews > Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King's Beloved Sister > Status Update

‘From the sounds of things, Anna and Katheryn got along just fine. It is an extraordinary scenario. When the three were dining, Henry gave Katheryn a present of a ring and two small dogs, which she passed over to Anna. Anna accepted the gifts with good grace.‘

‘Henry gave Anna the manors of Bletchingley and Richmond as part of her settlement. The manors included parks and houses. Anna received a gift of 8,000 nobles and was promised more money to sustain her household until she could appreciate income from her new properties. A good deal of pearls, jewels, plate, furniture, and hangings were provided, too.’

I really do hate when books don’t have footnotes, especially when it is obvious that a lot of research has gone into this. It really undermines its credibility, quoting from many sources but not giving us the exact details.

‘This set a dangerous precedent. If someone, in this instance Henry, unwillingly entered into an agreement or treaty despite all outward appearances, it could later be invalidated. Henry learned from the annulments of his marriages to Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn that it was best not to give Anna a chance for formal protest.’

‘Henry says that he disliked Anna from the time he first laid eyes on her at Rochester. This, of course, conflicts with German reports from around 6 January 1540, which relayed that he stayed overnight not far from Anna, then came again in the morning to dine with her and spend time with her.’

‘Anna von der Mark, Born Duchess of Jülich-Cleves-Berg, was the second child and second daughter of Johann III of Jülich-Cleves-Berg and his wife Maria of Jülich-Berg. As a Born Duchess and not a Duchess Consort, Anna held a place in the succession, as her mother did for the Duchies of Jülich-Berg. Anna spent her early years at Burg Castle.’