Wives of Henry VIII

Katherine Parr

Sixth Wife

1512-1548

WIDOWED

Katherine Parr by an unknown artist- NPG London

'Kateryn the Quene KP' - Katherine Parr's signature

Kathryn Howard

Fifth Wife

1521-1542

EXECUTED

Kathryn Howard by Hans Holbein- The Royal Collection

'Katheryn' - Kathryn Howard's signature- From a letter to Thomas Culpepper

Anne of Cleves

Fourth Wife

1515-1557

DIVORCED

Anne of Cleves by Hans Holbein- Musee du Louvre, Paris

'Anna, the daughter of Cleves':
Anne of Cleves' signature

After Jane's death, Henry was eager to marry again. It was this portrait that is said to have inspired Henry to chose Anne for marriage before they met. Once the two did meet however, King Henry did not care for her and quickly tried to find a way out of the marriage. During this time his effectins were strongly towards the young lady in waiting, Kathryn Howard.

Jane Seymour

Third Wife

1508-1537

DIED

Jane Seymour by Hans Holbein- Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum

Jane the Quene' - Jane Seymour's signature

Believed to be the King's "true love", Jane Seymore married Henry weeks after Anne Boleyn's death. Jane was able to produce a male heir however the birth was an unstable one. Shortly after Edward was born, Jane died ny natural causes.

Anne Boleyn

Second Wife

1509-1536

EXECUTED

Anne Boleyn, by an unknown artist- Hever Castle, Kent

"Anne The Quene" - The signature of Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn was the second wife and alleged mistress originally. Famous for her seductive and vibrant personality, she won the heart of Henry. However she too was unable to produce a male heir and Henry began to loose interest. Anne Boleyn was executed by order of the King. Shortly after her death, Henry married Jane Seymore. Anne's only daughter, Elizabeth, later became one of the greatest rulers of England for over 40 years.

Catherine Of Aragon

First Wife
1485-1536

DIVORCED


Antique Print of Catherine of Aragaon - this version © Nash Ford Publishing Catherine of Aragon's signature: 'Katherina the quene' The First wife of Henry. The princess of Spain. Frustrated by Catherine unable to produce a male heir, Henry grew tired of her and turned his affections to her lady in waiting Anne Boleyn. Shortly after the affair, Henry deified the church and annulled his marriage, striped her of her title and exiled Catherine and her only daughter, Mary.