Anne of Bohemia (1366–94), queen of Richard II. Born in Prague, the eldest daughter of Emperor Charles IV, Anne was the first wife of Richard II, king of England, chosen for her nobility and gentleness and later known as ‘Good Queen Anne’. The marriage took place on 14 January 1382 at St Stephen's chapel, Westminster, followed by her coronation on the 22nd. Plain and unassuming, Anne was devoted to Richard, helping him through severe depression. An educated woman, she used her influence, notably for the citizens of London (1392). On her death of the plague in 1394 at Richmond palace, Surrey, she was greatly mourned by Richard, who commissioned a magnificent tomb for her in Westminster abbey. She died childless.

Sue Minna Cannon

Anne of Bohemia

1366-1394

Bohemian queen who popularized the sidesaddle in England. The wife of the English king Richard II and daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, Queen Anne was an arbiter of fashion during her time and, as such, was emulated by others. The sidesaddle, in addition to its practical style, was a form of liberation, as it allowed gentlewomen to ride in a way that accommodated their dress, which was quite bulky and elaborate at that time. Multilingual, well educated, and charming, Anne was also instrumental in introducing the works of Christian reformer John Wycliffe to her native Bohemia and was an inspiration to the poet Chaucer.