nne of Cleves, 1515-57, queen of England, fourth wife of Henry VIII. She was the sister of William, duke of Cleves, one of the most powerful of the Protestant princes. After the death of Jane Seymour, Henry was free to marry again, and a marriage with Anne for political purposes was considered advisable and was especially forwarded by Thomas Cromwell. The marriage was agreed upon in 1539. Although Henry tried to break the contract after seeing his bride, they were married in Jan., 1540. Henry found Anne dull and unattractive, and a turn in policy destroyed the political utility of the marriage. In July, Henry had the marriage declared null and void. Anne gave her consent and, by agreement, lived the rest of her life in England. [The Illustrated Columbia Encyclopedia, 1969]

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