Anne of Cleves House – Worth Divorcing Henry VIII For?

One of my favourite authors, C.J. Sansom, managed to combine law and Tudor history into an extremely successful historical fiction series. The Shardlake series is atmospheric and gripping, bringing Tudor England to life. C.J. lives in Sussex, a county rich with Tudor locations. Go and read it today.

One such place, Anne of Cleves House Museum, is a fantastically well-maintained property, allowing visitors to explore Tudor and Elizabethan life. Situated in the beautiful town of Lewes, the museum has a true-to-life set up kitchen and garden with traditional Tudor plants still on show.

Built in the 15^th century, the house formed part of King Henry’s annulment settlement, a key part of English heritage. Love him or hate him, most people are fascinated by his reign. This marriage was not a happy one (although was one of the least tempestuous ones he had), with Henry readily telling close confidants that he was not impressed with the choice of bride. Henry spoke disparagingly to his close ally Cromwell: “I liked her before not well, but now I like her much worse” after a failed consummation of the marriage.

At this stage Henry VIII wasn’t in full obese and leg-sore mode, but I doubt the night was much fun for Anne either. The annulment was pushed through and Henry’s settlement offer of Richmond Palace, Hever Castle and Anne of Cleves House was considered most generous. Considering she kept her head and was given a palace and a castle, I’m minded to agree. My title is obviously jovial, as she had no choice in the annulment.

As well as the kitchen and garden, there is a fantastic exhibition of Wealden iron making (a key product for the area). The kitchen has exposed timbers and brick floor, with a bread oven and a marble table that bear the marks of centuries of use. The bedroom has been restored to Tudor brilliance, making it easy to picture how the house would have been utilised during Anne’s time (although she didn’t live here, and probably didn’t visit the property at all!) A particular highlight of mine is the 16^th century fireback plate that depicts the burning of Protestants during a particularly bloody period of Queen Mary’s reign. I am not advocating burning people with alternative religious views, but the craftmanship is excellent.

If you need more reasons to visit, the museum also covers the history of Lewes and life in the area since the Tudors. Once you’ve finished, treat yourself to tea and cake in the on-site café. I realise I advocate eating cake at each historical site, but there are worse ways to finish a day out.

JAMES DEMPSTER