Her youth, prettiness and vivacity were captivating for the middle-aged sovereign, who claimed he had never known "the like to any woman". While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. However, the obituary noted that her death was sudden and unexpected, indicating that it was not the result of a prolonged illness. She displayed great interest in her dance lessons, but would often be distracted during them and make jokes. Today, historians believe that she died of a postpartum infection due to poor hygiene around childbirth. The lack of information about Cats death is not unusual, as families have the right to keep such details private. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Anne Boleyn (c. 1501-1536): The Union That Sparked Reformation, Beheaded She described her punishment as "worthy and just" and asked for mercy for her family and prayers for her soul. ||sitemap_index.xml [37], The night before her execution, Catherine is believed to have spent many hours practising how to lay her head upon the block, which had been brought to her at her request. On this day in history, the 13th February 1542, Catherine Howard was executed at the Tower of London. In his book Tudor Queens of England, which profiles 14 consorts and sovereigns, David Loades described Catherine as a "stupid and oversexed adolescent" who "certainly behaved like a whore", and wrote that her denial of a precontract was "a measure of her stupidity"; however, he also said that she died when she was "just 20 years old, a mere child". Updates? [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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. But her past was about to catch up with her. [56], A Holbein drawing (below) is also traditionally identified as being of Catherine Howard, but this appears to be without foundation. She told how she had watched for Catherine backstairs as Culpeper had made his escapes from the Queen's room. When Dereham seduced her, he asked her to call him husband, while he called her wife. With my experience, I have developed a talent for crafting articles, blog posts, and website copy that captures the attention of readers and drives engagement. She was born into a very well connected family. Before Catherine Howard died, the men she was accused of having relations with were also executed. And because she had not consented, she thought that any contract or marriage between them was invalid. 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.. You can unsubscribe at any time. Several of these writers have been highly critical of Catherine's conduct, if sympathetic to her eventual fate. WebKatharine came to public attention at the same time that her sister was supposedly being considered as a new wife for King Henry VIII, and was arrested and briefly imprisoned on suspicion of having made treasonable utterances. Catherine was the youngest of Henrys wives and her reign had been one of the shortest. Portrayal [ The best she could hope for was a good marriage with a minor nobleman and a life of domesticity and she was placed into the household of her step-grandmother, Agnes, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk to be educated with this end in view. #fridayfun Poll: With which man would Anne Boleyn have been happiest? "[69] The painting was in the possession of the Cromwell family for centuries. Cause of death. The obituary for Cat appeared in local newspapers but did not disclose the cause of death, leaving many questions unanswered. 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. On this day in history, the 13th February 1542, Catherine Howard was executed at the Tower of London. She was the daughter of Lord Edmund Howard and Joyce Culpeper, a cousin to Anne Boleyn (the second wife of Henry VIII), and the niece of Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk. You can unsubscribe at any time. He believes Catherine was increasingly repulsed by Mannox's pressure to have sex with him and was angered by his gossiping with servants about the details of what had gone on between them. I pray for his preservation and beseech you all to do the same. Of his six wives, Henry VIII had two killed: Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. When Henry VIII's fifth wife, Catherine Howard, went to the block at a pitifully young age, she did so not because of her own crimes, argues Josephine Wilkinson, but the failings of older men. The obituary for Cat appeared in local newspapers, and her funeral arrangements were shared with the public. Culpeper tried to exonerate himself by blaming Catherine and Jane Lady Rochford, her chief lady in waiting. Thomas Howard was a prominent politician at Henry's court, and he secured her a place in the household of Henry's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, where she caught the King's interest. Catherine passed away on February 13, 1542 at the age of 19 in Tower of London, London, England. WebCatherine Howards Early Life. The King would be at Hampton Court, but she would not see him again. This was typical of the speeches given by people executed during that period, most likely in an effort to protect their families, since the condemned's last words would be relayed to the King. 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. Catherines household was broken up, while she was removed as queen and exiled to Syon House with only a small staff to attend her. When asked to elaborate, Mary spoke of Mannock, who had boasted that he knew Catherines privates from all others by a privy mark, and Dereham, who was so familiar with Catherine afore her marriage to the king that he did lie with her a hundred nights in the year in his doublet and hose abed between the sheets. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Catherine-Howard, Spartacus Educational - Biography of Catherine Howard, Historic Royal Palaces - Catherine Howard, History Learning Site - Biography of Catherine Howard, Catherine Howard - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Catherine Howard - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). 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. The details and dates of this relationship are debated between modern historians. That evening she asked to have the block brought in to her, that she might know how to place herself; which was done, and she made trial of it.1, Chapuys goes on to say that at 7am the next morning, the 13th, members of the Kings Council (Suffolk and Norfolk were absent)and other dignatories arrived at the Tower to serve as witnesses to Catherines execution. Weir had much the same judgement, describing her as an "empty-headed wanton". The Spanish Chronicle goes further, asserting that Catherine was born in 1525, which would have made her no more than 17 when she died.. But it is at least equally possible that he was impotent. The disease weakens muscles, causes dementia-like cognitive impairment and typically sets in between the ages of 30 and 40. The marriage was made public on 8 August, and prayers were said in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace. She was too young to take part in administrative matters of State. 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. Catherine was stripped of her title as queen in November 1541 and beheaded three months later on the grounds of treason for committing adultery with her distant cousin, Thomas Culpeper. Henry called her his 'very jewel of womanhood' (that he called her his 'rose without a thorn' is likely a myth). He describes how at the time Queen Katherine Howard was accused of dissolute living, before her marriage, with Francis Dereham. He also states it was common knowledge to many close to the King. There are several spellings of "Katherine". According to popular folklore her last words were, "I die a Queen, but I would rather have died the wife of Culpeper", but no eyewitness accounts support this, instead reporting that she stuck to traditional final words, asking for forgiveness for her sins and acknowledging that she deserved to die "a thousand deaths" for betraying the king, who had always treated her so graciously. Mary died on July 19, 1543; her specific cause of death is unknown. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The historian David Starkey dated it (from details of her dress and the technique of the miniature) to the short period when Catherine was queen. Also read: Who Is Matt Sgambati? 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. Catherine Howard, (born c. 1524died February 13, 1542, London, England), fifth wife of King Henry VIII of England. Her father's sister, Elizabeth Howard, was the mother of Anne Boleyn. He ordered those involved to be interrogated and so the whole story of Catherines past came out. 28 July 1540, Why was she executed? Henry VIII | Biography, Wives, Religion, Death, & Facts | Britannica Catherine persistently denied it had ever existed because, as she explained, all that Dereham did unto her, was importunate [persistent] forcement, and, in a manner, violence, rather than of her free consent and will. The household has been likened by David Starkey to a slackly run boarding school. Fifth wife of Henry VIII of England (c. 15241542), For other people named Catherine Howard, see, Spouses of debatable or disputed rulers are in. [46] There are no other plausible likenesses of her to compare to. Who Is Matt Sgambati? This was followed by more expensive gifts for Christmas at Hampton Court Palace.[20]. He publicly acknowledged her as queen on August 8. He accused councillors of being "lying time-servers", and began to regret executing Cromwell. Cats parents, brother, sister, niece, close friends, and extended family survived her. He accused Anne of adultery, and she was convicted and beheaded on May 19, 1536; that she had not She had considered marrying Culpeper during her time as a maid-of-honour to Anne of Cleves. [19], The Queen escaped plague-ridden London in August 1540 when on progress. Henry and Anne were married for just six months, making her the shortest reigning of all his queens. Catherine was not as well educated as some of Henry's other wives, although, on its own, her ability to read and write was impressive enough at the time. All who knew her will remember her infectious smile and kind heart. No plans were made for a coronation, yet she still travelled downriver in the royal barge into the City of London to a gun salute and some acclamation. Baldwin Smith described Catherine's life as one of hedonism and characterized her as a "juvenile delinquent", as did Francis Hackett in his 1929 biography of Henry. [64], Historians Antonia Fraser and Derek Wilson believe that the portrait is likely to depict Elizabeth Seymour. Catherine Howards death is made all the more tragic by the fact that she was younger than most historians have traditionally had us believe. Can AI give us the answer? Incapacitated by an ulcerated jousting wound in his leg, Henrys girth had increased at an alarming rate, says historian Tracy Borman. Many of Catherine's relatives were also detained in the Tower, tried, found guilty of concealing treason and sentenced to life imprisonment and forfeiture of goods. Entering through the Traitors' Gate, she was led to her prison cell. These professionals conduct autopsies and other tests to determine the cause of death in cases that are not immediately apparent. Two days later Catherine was beheaded in the Tower of London. How did Catherine Howard become queen of England? [18], Catherine was young, joyous and carefree. [2] He was dismissed from his post in 1539, and died in March 1539. Cranmer was told that Catherines music teacher, Henry Mannock, had boasted that he knew Catherines privates from all others by a privy mark, while Francis Dereham was so familiar with Catherine afore her marriage to the king that he did lie with her a hundred nights in the year in his doublet and hose abed between the sheets.. Eustace Chapuys, the Imperial ambassador, wrote of For the next 14 months Henry appeared to be much enamoured of his bride. Henry adored Catherine, who restored to him the youth and vitality he thought hed lost. But it was Henry who secured Catherines hand: having fallen in love with Catherine and sent her gifts and love letters, on 28 July 1540 just three weeks after the kings marriage to Anne of Cleves was annulled he married Catherine at Oatlands Palace in Surrey, making her his fifth queen. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. She was possibly as young as 17. [28] She was obliged by a Privy Councillor to return the ring previously owned by Anne of Cleves, which the King had given her; it was a symbol of removal of her regal and lawful rights. The lady's sumptuous black clothing, an indication of wealth and status, did not necessarily signify mourning; her jewellery suggests otherwise. News of Catherines indiscretions eventually reached Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury and close friend of Henry VIII. Within a matter of weeks in what was a truly spectacular rise from obscurity to the seat of power Catherine Howard had become his fifth queen. Historical novelist Philippa The young and reportedly beautiful Catherine Howard was maid of honour to Henrys new queen, Anne of Cleves. I am Aaryush Shrestha, a talented content writer with a passion for creating engaging and informative content. In the summer of 1541, the court embarked upon a royal progress to the north country. No reports of foul play or accidents that might have led to her passing. While they were away a courtier, John Lascelles, took the opportunity of some free time to visit his sister Mary. He publicly acknowledged her as queen of England on August 8, 1540. Cats death left many questions unanswered. Despite these actions, her marriage to Henry was never formally annulled. After her short address, Lady Rochford knelt, laying her neck on the block, and her head was taken off with one blow of the axe. She confirmed that they had met several times, adding that she thought Culpeper hath known the queen carnally considering all things that this deponent hath heard and seen between them. [16] As a young and attractive lady-in-waiting, Catherine quickly caught Henry's eye. Her family and loved ones were devastated by her sudden and unexpected death. WebKatheryn Howard Tenure 28 July 1540 23 November 1541 Dates 1523 13 February 1542 (aged 18-19) Cause of Death Execution by beheading Family Edmund Howard (father) Joyce Culpeper (mother) Henry Howard (brother) Charles Howard (brother) George Howard (brother) Margaret Howard (sister) Mary Howard (sister) John Leigh (maternal half-brother) After Catherine's mother died in 1528, her father married two more times. He told Archbishop Cranmer, who set down the facts in a letter. 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 Catherine Marie Howard Obituary And Death Cause The passing of Catherine Cat Marie Howard on September 25, 2020, shocked her family and friends. Required fields are marked *. The King embarked on a lavish spending spree to celebrate his marriage, with extensive refurbishments and developments at the Palace of Whitehall. According to custom, their heads were placed on spikes on London Bridge. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. [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 [8], In the Dowager Duchess's household, Catherine became influenced by some older girls who allowed men into the sleeping areas at night. [23] It has been alleged that in Spring 1541 the pair were meeting secretly. Catherine had been married to Henry for just 18 months. It has recently been stated that he was in his late thirties, perhaps 36, but this is not supported by Catherine's biographers. Derek Wilson observed that "In August 1537 Cromwell succeeded in marrying his son, Gregory, to Elizabeth Seymour", the queen's younger sister. 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. 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. Queen Catherine Parr died of complications from childbirth. Lady Rochford was interrogated and as she feared that she would be tortured, she agreed to talk. Both men took advantage of their position of authority in the household and Catherine had no means of defending herself. [10] Other biographers, like Gareth Russell, believe that Mannox's interactions with Catherine took place over a much shorter time, that Mannox was roughly the same age as her, but that "their relationship was nonetheless inappropriate, on several levels." Born into an aristocratic family, Catherine Howard was the daughter of a younger brother of the 3rd Duke of Norfolk and was first cousin to Anne Boleyn. She also was the second cousin of Jane Seymour, as her grandmother Elizabeth Tilney was the sister of Seymour's grandmother, Anne Say.[1]. Dereham was hung, drawn and quartered, while Culpeper was beheaded. Chapuys says of Lady Rochfords execution:-, Then Lady Rochford was brought, who had shown symptoms of madness till they told her she must die. Her life has also been described in the five collective studies of Henry's queens that have appeared since the publication of Alison Weir's The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1991)such as David Starkey's The Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII (2003). The daughter of a younger brother of the 3rd Duke of Norfolk, Catherine had few prospects. Marillac recorded that The Queen was so weak that she could hardly speak, but confessed in few words that she had merited a hundred deaths for so offending the King who had so graciously treated her2. Catherine has been the subject of contention for modern biographies, A Tudor Tragedy by Lacey Baldwin Smith (1967), Katherine Howard: A Tudor Conspiracy by Joanna Denny (2006), Katherine Howard: Henry VIII's Slandered Queen by Conor Byrne (2019), and Young and Damned and Fair by Gareth Russell (2017). After he was given evidence that she had had affairs before their marriage and that she was having an affair with her cousin, Thomas Culpepper, Henry had her imprisoned and then beheaded for treason.