Tudor era: The Boleyn Inheritance

Recently I finished reading a book by Philippa Gregory called "The Boleyn Inheritance".  Set in the court of King Henry VIII, it tells the story of three women who share one tragic fate, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Lady Jane Rochford.
I found the novel transported me right into the Tudor court with the ambitions, deceit, betrayals and frivolities of the era.  The way Philippa tells the story from a woman's point of view, really gave it life and emotion.

By Philippa Gregory

Henry VIII has recently been very popular, with a TV series "The Tudors" a few new documentaries and a load of books.  I myself am very smitten by this dangerous and powerful king who in my words victimised himself when it came to love and reasoned that he should get what he wants.  But the stories that most intrigue me are that of his 6 wives.  I constantly question the motives of these women (especially the later wives), as a romantic at heart I always try and look for the positive story, although to be honest I doubt the wives were thinking of love.

Anne of Cleves, in my eyes was very brave to give in to the Kings wishes, she took her life into her own hands and didn't allow the Kings bullying to damage her dignity.  To be honest who would want to marry a fat, angry, sick, and smelly (from his ulcerated leg) old man who just happened to be King.  Not my first choice, but in saying that during Tudor times thoughts and feelings were different.  Marriage was about ambition and gain to the family, rarely about love.  Don't get me wrong I'm sure there were plenty who married for love but within the court and the royal family I doubt it. 

What fascinates me about Anne of Cleves is after the marriage to Henry VIII was annulled she quite happily took the title of his sister and remained in England.  Why did she not want to return to her home?  Maybe she felt disgraced at letting her family down, or she didn't much like her family, I would be most interested in learning more about her story.

Another fascinating fact about Anne of Cleves is the picture by Hans Holbein, painted for King Henry.  On seeing the picture Henry was pleased, but their meeting was a different story.  One of the reasons for Henry wanting to end the marriage was his affection for Katherine Howard, but he described Anne as ugly and smelly.  Which was more true to himself than Anne I fear, but what can you do but agree with the King, anything else would have been considered Treason.

Anne of Cleves by Hans Holbein

In conclusion I recommend "The Boleyn Inheritance" as a must read book if you are as intrigued as me at Tudor life.