Writing for BBC History Magazine in 2016, the academic historian Josephine Wilkinson claimed that Catherine Howards relationships with Mannock and Dereham had been non-consensual. Lucy Worsley also takes a kinder, modern view of the accusations against Catherine and their relation to the men who took advantage of her in her youth. In the Duchess's household at Horsham, in around 1536, Catherine began music lessons with two teachers, one of whom was Henry Mannox, and they began a relationship. Despite this, Catherine and Dereham may have parted with intentions to marry upon his return from Ireland, agreeing to a precontract of marriage. While at court she got to know a cousin, Thomas Culpeper, a gentleman of the kings privy chamber. WebCatherine Howard Date of Birth c. 1523 Nationality English Date of Death February 13, 1542 (19 years old) Cause of Death Beheading Musical Portrayed by Koko Basigara (West End) Zoe Jensen (Broadway) Theme color Pink Solo All You Wanna Do Katherine Howard (or Catherine Howard) was the fifth wife of Henry VIII and one of the six queens in SIX. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Under intense interrogation, and possibly torture, Dereham blurted out that he and Catherine had not continued their relationship because he had been replaced in her affections by Thomas Culpeper. Kids And Family. With little to sustain the family, her father often had to beg for the help of his more affluent relatives. When the Lords of the Council came for her, she allegedly panicked and screamed as they manhandled her into the barge that would escort her to the Tower on Friday 10 February 1542, her flotilla passing under London Bridge where the heads of Culpeper and Dereham were impaled (and where they remained until 1546). Instead, angry that Catherine had not been of pure and honest condition when he married her, and that he had been deceived concerning her, he wanted to destroy the jewel for womanhood, whom he had once loved so dearly. On the evening of Sunday 12 February 1542, Catherine Howard, queen of England, was told to prepare her soul, for she was to be put to death the following morning. days of their marriage, or to incite someone to commit adultery with her. [citation needed], Catherine was stripped of her title as queen on 23 November 1541 and imprisoned in the new Syon Abbey, Middlesex, formerly a convent, where she remained throughout the winter of 1541. Catherine was still too young to serve Jane Seymour (who became queen in 1536), and so had to wait until Anne of Cleves married Henry before she could take her place at court. Little changed at court, other than the arrival of many Howards. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The King embarked on a lavish spending spree to celebrate his marriage, with extensive refurbishments and developments at the Palace of Whitehall. That winter the King's bad moods deepened and grew more furious, caused in part by the pain from his ulcerous legs. In the summer of 1541, as Henrys court embarked upon a royal progress to the north country, rumours of Catherines previous indiscretions continued to haunt her and she was forced to give favours and positions in return for silence, says Philippa Gregory. In many cases, the cause of death is determined by a medical examiner or coroner. We bring you the facts about Henry VIII's fifth wife and the truth about her adultery and death Catherine Howard is thought to have been born sometime between 1518 and 1524, but the exact date is unknown. Her downfall came when Henry learned of her premarital affairs. There is no authenticated contemporary likeness of Catherine Howard,[47] and there is no documentary evidence that she ever had her portrait painted. If indeed they exchanged vows before having sexual intercourse, they would have been considered married in the eyes of the Church.[12]. Examining Henrys marriage to his previous wife, Anne of Cleves, Tracy Borman writes: Henrys inability to consummate the marriage to Anne of Cleves has been traditionally assigned to his revulsion at his new bride. Catherine's uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, found her a place at Court in the household of the King's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. The daughter of a younger brother of the 3rd Duke of Norfolk, Catherine had few prospects. In 1531, he was appointed Controller of Calais. Starkey goes on to say that Johnson recorded that Catherine said that she had offended God heinously from [her] youth upward, in breaking all his commandments, that she had offended against the Kings royal Majesty very dangerously, was justly condemned by the Laws of this realm and Parliament to die and that she required the people to take example at [her], for amendment of their ungodly lives and gladly to obey the King in all things. According to Johnson, Catherine then prayed heartily for [the Kings] preservation, and willed all people so to do. After then she commended her soul into Gods care and asked for His mercy. [60] Two copies are extant: a 16th-century version at Hever Castle is exhibited as Portrait of a Lady, thought to be Catherine Howard;[61][62] the National Portrait Gallery exhibits a similar painting, Unknown woman, formerly known as Catherine Howard (NPG 1119),[63] dating from the late 17th century. Then, having tried and placed her head on it by way of experiment, she made her confession. She was too young to take part in administrative matters of State. The obituary for Cat appeared in local newspapers but did not disclose the cause of death, leaving many questions unanswered. The words the chronicler attributes to the queen, then, have to be viewed with great skepticism. This was followed by more expensive gifts for Christmas at Hampton Court Palace.[20]. WebThe real cause of death of Catherine Howard The obvious answer to the question, what killed Catherine Howard is that she lost her head in a meeting with the executioners axe. She was settled by jointure at Baynard Castle. She also had a nurturing side for animals, particularly dogs.[9]. He had his marriage to Anne annulled on July 9, and on July 28 Henry and Catherine were privately married. They quickly became firm friends, and gossip had it that they were to be married. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. [33] The Royal Assent by Commission Act 1541 made it treason, and punishable by death, for a queen consort to fail to disclose her sexual history to the king within 20 Of his six wives, Henry VIII had two killed: Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Incapacitated by an ulcerated jousting wound in his leg, Henrys girth had increased at an alarming rate, says historian Tracy Borman. Charles de Marillac, the French ambassador, reported to his master, Francis I, that the Queen was executed at around 9am, followed by Lady Rochford. However, Catherine was never to become Mrs Culpeper, for when King Henrys marriage to Anne of Cleves broke down, he fell head over heels with her new maiden of honour. [59][60][61] The portrait (below), dated circa 15351540, is exhibited at the Toledo Museum of Art as Portrait of a Lady, probably a Member of the Cromwell Family (1926.57). WebQueen Catherine Howard and Lady Rochford were both executed on 13 February 1542, and were buried in the Church of St Peter ad Vincula, within the Tower of London. In Cats case, the circumstances surrounding her death were unclear. Catherine had a longer, sexual relationship with a young noble, Francis Dereham, who was a secretary in her grandmothers household, between 1537 and 1539. Catherines mother died when she was young, and Catherine was brought up by her fathers stepmother, Agnes Tilney, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk at It is thought that Catherines maid Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford, (who had previously testified against her husband, George Boleyn, and her sister-in-law, Anne Boleyn) helped Catherine to meet Culpeper in secret while the king was away from court. However, her memory lives on through the love and support of those who knew and loved her. Katherine Howard Edward Hall described the events around Katherine Howard at the end of 1541 until her death in February 1542. But the jealous Mannock informed the Dowager Duchess, who quickly put an end to the relationship. Catherine, too, had said that Lady Rochford would many times, being ever by, sit somewhat far off or turn her back and she [Catherine] would say to her: For Gods sake madam even near us.. The King would be at Hampton Court, but she would not see him again. Redemption seemingly arrived when Catherine was selected to be a maiden of honour to Henry VIIIs new queen, Anne of Cleves. Why not try 6 issues of BBC History Magazine or BBC History Revealed for 9.99 delivered straight to your door + FREE access to HistoryExtra.com. 5, 1548) was the sixth and last wife of Henry VIII, king of England. It was thought Catherine had intended to commit adultery with Francis Dereham and Thomas Culpeper so while she was innocent of any actual crime, the terms of the 1534 Treasons Act allowed Henry to condemn her for presumptive treason.. Cats funeral was held on September 30, 2020, at 1:00 pm in the Peachtree Corners Chapel of Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory. Weir had much the same judgement, describing her as an "empty-headed wanton". Related by blood (Elizabeths mother, Anne Boleyn, was Catherines first cousin), the pair are said to have enjoyed one anothers company during the few occasions on which they met. She told how she had watched for Catherine backstairs as Culpeper had made his escapes from the Queen's room. When the court returned from progress, Cranmer left the letter in Henrys pew for him to find. While living with the duchess [of Norfolk], Catherine was sexually exploited by two men of the household, she said. When Catherine Howard was arrested at Hampton Court Palace in November 1541, it is thought she broke free from her guards and ran, screaming, down the corridor to the private Chapel Royal, where Henry was believed to be at Mass. Henry VIII | Biography, Wives, Religion, Death, & Facts | Britannica She also was the second cousin of Jane Seymour, as her grandmother Elizabeth Tilney was the sister of Seymour's grandmother, Anne Say.[1]. However, it is unclear whether an autopsy was performed in Cats case or if her family opted not to share the details with the public. Cats death left many questions unanswered. He accused councillors of being "lying time-servers", and began to regret executing Cromwell. She was known for her infectious smile and kind heart. What were Catherine Howards childhood and upbringing like? Cats parents, brother, sister, niece, close friends, and extended family survived her. In the end, it did not matter the queens fate was already sealed. The sudden death of Catherine Cat Marie Howard sent shockwaves through her community in Berkeley Lake, GA. At just 24 years old, her passing was unexpected and devastating for her family and friends. Catherine agreed and, since their relationship had clearly been consummated, they were technically married according to canon law. Catherine was the daughter of a poverty-stricken younger son of the 2nd duke of Norfolk. WebCatherine Howards Early Life. The reason for her death hasnt Your email address will not be published. Her passing reminds us to cherish every moment with our loved ones and hold them close while we can. Catherine Howard was the fifth wife of King Henry VIII of England. He was still living in Lambeth in 1541. WebOf his six wives, Henry VIII had two killed: Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. According to custom, their heads were placed on spikes on London Bridge. Catherine had an aristocratic ancestry as a granddaughter of Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk (1443 1524), but her father, Lord Edmund Howard, was not wealthy, being the third son of his father under the rules of primogeniture, the eldest son inherited all of the father's estate. No reports of foul play or accidents that might have led to her passing. Her one surviving signature spells it "Katheryn". After the service, she was laid to rest at Peachtree Memorial Park in Peachtree Corners, GA. For the next 14 months Henry appeared to be much enamoured of his bride. Catherine, who was at least two and possibly even seven years younger than Henrys elder daughter, Mary, found the role of stepmother difficult. Her family and loved ones were devastated by her sudden and unexpected death. [64], Historians Antonia Fraser and Derek Wilson believe that the portrait is likely to depict Elizabeth Seymour. Every day she dressed with new clothes in the French fashion bedecked with precious jewels, decorated in gold around her sleeves. Henry VIII first became attracted to the young girl in 1540, when he was seeking to end his politically motivated marriage to Anne of Cleves, to whom Catherine was a maid of honour. Omissions? Contrary to legend and The Tudors, Catherine did not utter the words I die a Queen, but I would rather die the wife of Culpeper, although I so wish she had! Many of Catherine's roommates among the Dowager Duchess's maids of honour and attendants knew of the relationship, which apparently ended in 1539, when the Dowager Duchess found out. But it was Catherines earlier liaisons that ultimately sealed her fate. Her obituary did not disclose the cause of death, leaving many questions unanswered. Here, we bring you the facts Catherine Howard was the fifth wife of Henry VIII. Two portrait miniatures by Hans Holbein the Younger, one in the Royal Collection[49] and another in the Buccleuch Collection,[50] may be the only surviving depictions of Catherine painted from life (in the case of the Royal Collection version at Windsor). Before Catherine Howard died, the men she was accused of having relations with were also executed. Today, historians believe that she died of a postpartum infection due to poor hygiene around childbirth. Catholic Bishop Stephen Gardiner entertained the couple at Winchester Palace with "feastings". Catherine passed away on February 13, 1542 at the age of 19 in Tower of London, London, England. I am justly condemned by the laws of this realm and by Parliament. Both bodies were buried in an unmarked grave in the nearby chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula, where the bodies of Catherine's cousins, Anne and George Boleyn, also lay. Received opinion inspired by the guesswork of the French ambassador Charles de Marillac has it that she was born in 1521, and so was 21 when she went to the block. How did she die, and does her ghost really haunt Hampton Court Palace? The age requirement for the position of maiden was at least 12 years but, if she was born in 1525, Catherine would only have been eight in 1533. On the 27th of December 2021, TVDeathRay received information about the death of Catherine Marie Howard via a Social Media post. Meanwhile, Catherine found herself a fan in her younger stepdaughter, the Princess Elizabeth, who is thought to have been seven years old when Catherine married Henry VIII. She asked for the block to be brought to her room, saying that she wanted to know how she was to place her head on it. [71][73] Brett Dolman has noted that the hypothesis is "seductive but inconclusive" and "not supported by the assembled evidence."[74]. As the King's interest in Catherine grew, so did the house of Norfolk's influence. On this day in history, the 13th February 1542, Catherine Howard was executed at the Tower of London. Catherines parents Lord Edmund Howard and Joyce Culpeper were part of the extended family of the Duke of [2] He was dismissed from his post in 1539, and died in March 1539. [19], The Queen escaped plague-ridden London in August 1540 when on progress. Loades's and Borman's characterizations are unusually harsh, however. #portraittuesday The Hever Castle Rose portrait of Anne Boleyn, Anne Boleyn is a pivotal character in the novel, I am Henry, #fridayfun Anne Boleyns Early Life Quiz, #portraittuesday The NPG portrait of Anne Boleyn, Maundy Thursday Anne Boleyn, King Charles III and the Royal Maundy, 3 April 1538 Anne Boleyns mother, Elizabeth Boleyn, Countess of Wiltshire, dies, Replay of my livestream The Making of a King: Henry VIIIs Education and Upbringing, The Making of a King: Henry VIIIs Education and Upbringing Livestream on YouTube 18 March. The pair almost certainly became lovers, addressing each other as husband and wife; Francis even entrusted her with his money whilst he was travelling, says Philippa Gregory. The Lamentation of a Sinner was not published until after Henry's death in January 1547 and until then Katherine had to be very circumspect about her theology. It is thought that when the court returned from progress, Cranmer left the letter in Henrys pew in the Chapel Royal for him to find. Her ladies helped her to dress in a black velvet gown, a French hood, gloves and a furred mantle it was almost as though this were just any other day. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Legacy Mary never returned to court, but her daughter, Catherine Carey, was summoned by the Therefore, Catherine Howard was the first cousin of Anne Boleyn, and the first cousin once removed of Lady Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I), Anne's daughter by Henry VIII. After her marriage to Henry, Catherine had made Dereham her secretary, and it is probablethough still unprovedthat she had committed adultery with Culpepper. The most popular theory, first put forward in 2004 by Retha M. Warnicke, was that the relationship between them was abusive, with Mannox grooming and preying on Catherine in 153638, and this is expanded upon in detail by Conor Byrne. Neither she nor the Queen spoke much on the scaffold; they only confessed their guilt and prayed for the Kings welfare.4, The lady of Rochefort said as much in a long discourse of several faults which she had committed in her life.5. Received opinion inspired by the guesswork of the French ambassador Charles de Marillac has it that [Catherine] was born in 1521, and so was 21 when she went to the block, says Josephine Wilkinson. Catherine's mother, Joyce Culpeper, already had five children from her first husband, Ralph Leigh (c.1476 1509) when she married Lord Edmund Howard, and they had another six together, Catherine being about her mother's tenth child. Catherine was then beheaded with the executioner's axe. They married on 28 July 1540, just three weeks after the kings brief marriage to Anne of Cleves was annulled. Sadly, by the time Catherine was old enough to serve at court, Anne was dead. She was born into a very well connected family. In other words, though she was innocent of any actual crime, the terms of the 1534 Treasons Act allowed Henry to condemn her for presumptive treason. [51] In it, she wears a pendant jewel that is similar to that shown in Holbein's portrait of Jane Seymour at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, and identical to that shown in the portrait of Henry VIII's third queen, in the Mauritshuis, The Hague. Entering through the Traitors' Gate, she was led to her prison cell. To find out more about Henry VIII and his six wives, click here. You must gladly obey the king in all things, for he us a just and godly prince.