Letter from Anne of Cleves to her brother, concerning her separation from King Henry VIII

to Anne of Cleves

Letter from Anne of Cleves to her Brother, 1540

Modern copy of a letter from Anne of Cleves to her brother, [21 July,] 1540.
The letter explains her separation from King Henry VIII and her plans to stay
in England.

National Archives, UK. E 30/1470. Photos by Daniel F. Gosling.

"My dear and wellbeloved brother. After my most hearty commendations, where by your letters of the 13th of this month which I have seen written to the King's Majesty of England, my most dear and most kind brother, I do perceive that you take the matter, lately moved and determined between him and me, somewhat to heart. Forasmuch as I had rather you knew the truth by mine advertisement, than, for want thereof, you should be deceived by vain reports, I thought meet to write these present letters unto you, by the which it shall please you to understand that, being substantially advertised how the nobles and commons of this Realm desired the King's highness to commit the examination of the matter of marriage between bis Majesty and me, to the examination and determination of the whole Clergy of this Realm, I did then willingly consent thereunto. And since the determination made, have also, upon intimation of their proceedings, allowed, approved, and agreed unto the same, wherein I had more respect (as beseemed me) to truth than to any worldly affection, that might move me to the contrary. And did the rather condescend thereunto, for that my body remaineth in the integrity which I brought into this Realm. And being the matter thus finished, to advertise you how I am used. Surely the king's highness, whom I cannot now justly have, nor will repute, as my husband, hath nevertheless taken and adopted me for his sister, and, as a most kind, loving, and friendly brother useth me, with as much or more humanity and liberality, as you, I myself, or any of our kin or allies, could well wish or desire. Wherewith I am, for mine own part, so well satisfied, that I much desire that my good mother and you should know this my state and condition, not doubting but when you shall thoroughly weigh all things, you will so use yourself towards this noble and good Prince, as he may continue his friendship towards you, which, on his highness' behalf, shall nothing be impaired or altered for this matter, unless the fault should be in yourself, whereof I would be most sorry. For so it hath pleased his highness to signify unto me, which I have thought necessary to write unto you, and also that, God willing, I purpose to lead my life in this Realm, having his grace so good Lord as he is towards me, lest, for want of true knowledge of my mind and condition, you might otherwise take this matter than you ought, and in other sort care for me than you have cause. Thus etc."

Subscribed: Anna Duchess born of
Cleves, Julich, Gelders et
Berg your loving Sister.

Text source:

Calendar of the Manuscripts of the Marquis of Salisbury, K. G. Part I.
London: Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1883. 13-14.

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