Catherine Howard: the Teenage Queen

 by Isobel Firth

Catherine Howard

Catherine Howard was the 4th wife of Henry the Eighth. And the 2nd to be beheaded but whilst many know how her life ends not many know the tragedy that happened during it.

Not a lot is known about her childhood when she was born. It was at some point between 1518 and 1524 which many historians think it was in the latter part. Her father was the third son of the Duke of Norfolk, this makes Anne Boleyn her  first cousin. She was also second cousins with Jane Seymour.

When she was a child she was sent to the house of the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. It was here that she began her education in Reading, Writing and Music. At about the age of 12 or 13 her music teacher Henry Mannock began to exploit and groom Catherine.Ther is evidence that Catherine herself was uncomfortable with the relationship. Unfortunately this was not the last time Catherine was coerced into a relationship. At the age of 14 a second relationship began between her and the Secretary of the Dowager Duchess . He was 10-15 years her senior. There is no question to the extent of the relationship between them. With many of Catherine’s roommates being aware of the extent of the relationship. The pair also referred to each other with the married titles of “Husband” and “Wife.”

Catherine arrived at Court as a Lady-In-Waiting to the new queen, Anne of Cleves, a position that was secured for her by her powerful uncle, The Duke of Norfolk. By June 1540 Henry’s affection for her was known by the whole court., with Anne of Cleves commenting on her new husband's attraction to Catherine Howard. His wedding to Anne of Cleves was annulled on the 12th July 1540, and he married Catherine Howard on the 28th July 1540.

Catherine would have been around 16 at this point whilst Henry was pushing 50. This was an age gap of over 30 years. Their marriage was formally announced on the same day as the execution of Henry’s once favourite advisor Thomas Cromwell. 

She was now stuck in a marriage with a man 30 years older than her, who was often angry due to the ulcer on his leg that caused him great pain. This is what many people believe is the reason she began an affair with a man called Thomas Culpeper.

Thomas Culpeper was a distant relation of Catherine on her mothers side. He was Gentleman of Henry’s Privy Chamber, with accounts describing him as handsome. He also had a very darkside, evidence suggests that he committed rape and murder and was only acquitted because of his favour with the king.

Catherine and Culpeper began their affair in the Summer of 1541 during the KIng’s tour of the Country.  Their meetings were arranged by a Lady of the queen Jane Boleyn, Viscountess Rochford, the widow of George Boleyn, and therefore Anne Boleyn’s sister in law.

Lady Rochford

During this affair she wrote an incriminating “love letter” to Culpeper. This was the main basis of evidence in the trial against her. Whilst the letter proves they were committing adultery, a 21st century analysis of the love letter would imply Culpeper was abusive and manipulative towards Catherine. The evidence of his past may suggest this is not far from the truth. Whilst this affair was going on Frances Dereham was pressuring Catherine into making him her secretary, which she did.

By October 1541 Thomas Cranmer became aware of the affairs. When Henry first heard of this he was in disbelief. An inquiry was opened and much to Henry’s disappointment the rumours were true. Catherine Confessed on November 8th 1541. On the 1st December Dereham and Culpeper pleaded guilty to treason and were swiftly executed. 

On the 13th of February 1542 Lady Rochford and Catherine Howard were beheaded at Tower Green. Catherine Howard would likely have been no older than 18 when she was executed. Her life is an unknown tragedy to many.