What does a Flanders mare mean?

noun. 1A mare of a Flemish breed, typically strong and of large stature, and often used to pull coaches. 2 derogatory A tall or strongly built woman (usually with the implication of unattractiveness); specifically (a nickname for) Anne of Cleves (1515–57), the fourth wife of Henry VIII.

Was Anne of Cleves Dutch or German?

Anne of Cleves was Henry VIII’s fourth wife. Anne was from the small north German state of Cleves. Her brother, William, ruled Cleves but realised that his sister’s marriage to the king of England would greatly enhance his status.

Was Anne of Cleves a Flanders mare?

Anne became known as the ‘Flanders Mare’ only much later in the 17th century. Henry preferred to select his own wife and court them directly. Once the political motivation for marrying Anne had receded Henry began to look for reasons not to marry her.

What was Anne of Cleves nickname?

The King’s Beloved Sister
Anne of Cleves/Nicknames

Was Anne of Cleves smell?

Henry was immediately swayed by the portrait of Anne, and agreed to marry her. It was only when Henry met Anne, just a few days before the marriage, that he discovered she was not as pretty as promised. He was repulsed by her, saying she had terrible body odour and saggy breasts, and referred to her as the ‘ Flanders.

What nationality was Anne of Cleves?

English
Anne of Cleves/Nationality

Where is Cleves as in Anne of Cleves?

Lewes
Anne of Cleves House, in Lewes, East Sussex, is just one of many properties she owned; she never lived there. Henry and Anne became good friends—she was an honorary member of the king’s family and was referred to as “the King’s Beloved Sister”.

Who was anneanne of Cleves?

Anne of Cleves, known as The Flanders Mare was the fourth wife of Henry VIII.

Who was King Henry VIII’s wife Anne of Cleves?

Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII; it was a very brief marriage, to the astonishment of all observers but the relief of both spouses. Henry infamously referred to his bride as a ‘Flanders mare’ and told courtiers and ambassadors that he could not perform his husbandly duties because of Anne’s appearance.

Why did the Duchy of Cleves want to rival the Netherlands?

The duchy of Cleves might one day rival the Netherlands in terms of trade and strategic advantage. The king was persuaded to send his favorite court painter, Hans Holbein the Younger, to the German duchy. There he painted both Anne and her sister Amelia.

Why did Anne of Cleves wear two white swans?

Prior to her marriage Anne of Cleves used the emblem of two white swans which stood for innocence and honesty or sincerity. They were also supporters of the Cleves badge coming as they did from the story of one of Anne’s ancestors who was guided down the Rhine by a pair of swans.