How to Remember Henry VIII's Wives
Learn the rhyme that tells the queens’ fates., Rhyme “wedded” with “beheaded.” Another poem runs: “King Henry VIII, to six wives he was wedded., Rhyme the queens’ first names.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Learn the rhyme that tells the queens’ fates.
“Divorced, beheaded, died; Divorced, beheaded, survived.” This ditty has been memorized by generations of British schoolchildren.It is not strictly accurate.
The marriages to Catherine of Aragon and Anne of Cleves legally ended in annulment, not divorce.
And both Anne of Cleves and Katherine Parr survived the king, in the sense of outliving him. -
Step 2: Rhyme “wedded” with “beheaded.” Another poem runs: “King Henry VIII
One died, one survived, two divorced, two beheaded.” This version is inaccurate in the use of the term divorced, which should really be annulled.
It also doesn’t tell you the order of the queens.
However, it has a catchy meter and is easy to remember. , “Kate and Anne and Jane, and Anne and Kate (again, again!)”For this poem, it helps to adopt an English accent, so that Jane rhymes with again.
Note that “again, again” is a reminder that there are two “Kates” at the end of the list:
Catherine Howard followed by Katherine Parr. -
Step 3: to six wives he was wedded.
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Step 4: Rhyme the queens’ first names.
Detailed Guide
“Divorced, beheaded, died; Divorced, beheaded, survived.” This ditty has been memorized by generations of British schoolchildren.It is not strictly accurate.
The marriages to Catherine of Aragon and Anne of Cleves legally ended in annulment, not divorce.
And both Anne of Cleves and Katherine Parr survived the king, in the sense of outliving him.
One died, one survived, two divorced, two beheaded.” This version is inaccurate in the use of the term divorced, which should really be annulled.
It also doesn’t tell you the order of the queens.
However, it has a catchy meter and is easy to remember. , “Kate and Anne and Jane, and Anne and Kate (again, again!)”For this poem, it helps to adopt an English accent, so that Jane rhymes with again.
Note that “again, again” is a reminder that there are two “Kates” at the end of the list:
Catherine Howard followed by Katherine Parr.
About the Author
Kyle White
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in creative arts and beyond.
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