We are all familiar with the rhyme:
Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived
, but what do we actually
know about the women that inspired it?
Catherine of Aragon
Henry´s first wife. They had a happy marriage for 20 years, which resulted in the birth of Mary I, most
commonly known as the fearsome
"Bloody Mary", but, after many miscarriages and, as it became apparent that they wouldn´t have a son, the
king sought a divorce (which led to the separation from the Catholic Church and to the creation of the
Church of England
Anne Boleyn
Even though Henry married Anne in order to obtain a son, after numerous miscarriages, the queen presented
Henry with a daughter who would later become Elizabeth I. Having grown increasingly uneasy and realising the union
would not provide him with a son, Henry gave credit to the fabricated rumours about the queen.
Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour finally provided Henry with his much awaited son, the future king Edward VI,
the only legitimate son he would have. Unfortunately, she passed away not long after her son´s birth.
Anne of Cleves
Anne of Cleves is often pitied as the king´s discarded wife. However, that could not be further from the
truth. Anne was chosen by Henry to be his wife. He had only seen her painting. It is said that he didn´t
fancy her when they met. The king was in disguise, no longer the athletic young lad, so Anne was not
impressed. Most likely to protect his pride, he sought an annulment (to which she agreed). She was provided
with a good settlement and was well regarded at court as a reward.
Catherine Howard
Catherine Howard was a young girl of 17 when she married the king. She was accused of having had an affair
with Thomas Culpeper. At that time, the court took every rumour very seriously.
Catherine Parr
Henry´s last wife. After his passing, she married Thomas Seymour. She is known for maintaining a close
relationship with Henry´s children.
