Dr David Starkey reveals the stories behind Henry's third and fourth wives. Henry married Jane Seymour the day after Anne Boleyn's execution. She seemed to be a perfect contrast to Anne - modest, quiet and apparently demure.
Yet she played the game of sexual politics brilliantly by cultivating Henry and refusing to sleep with him until they were married. Finally, in 1537 Jane gave Henry what he had craved for so long - a healthy son, Prince Edward. The nation rejoiced. But Jane died of fever just 12 days later. Henry's new wife was Anne of Cleves, the stolid daughter of a German Duke.
Henry's first night with Anne was disastrous as he found her wholly unattractive, so much so that he was unable to have sex with her. Anne had to endure a humiliating divorce.
Your Comments
Post your comment
Please note: In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in to Channel 4:
Sign In Here or Register Here
Comments closed
Comments are closed at the present time
Comments
Thank you for your comment!
Your message will be reviewed and the best ones will be published below.
If you intended to make an official comment to Channel 4 please contact us.