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CATHERINE HOWARD

 

Date of Birth: c. 1521

Date of Death: 2 / 13 / 1542

Crime: High Treason

 

Biography 

Catherine Howard was a lady in waiting for Anne of Cleves court.  It is unclear as to what caught Henry VIII’s eye with Catherine but she was a spirited young lady.  Catherine was the cousin of Anne Boleyn and married Henry VIII when she was about 19 years old and Henry was 49.  She was his fifth wife.  It is said that she brought passion back into his life because at this time he was old and in poor health.   

Trial and Execution 

Rumors started about Catherine having an affairs, specifically with Thomas Culpepper.  Henry VIII did not believe it at first but asked for further investigation.  The facts that were discovered did point to an affair with Thomas Culpepper.  There were only secret meetings that could be confirmed.  However, it is believed that Catherine confessed to Henry VIII as an act of submission.  Both were arrested for high treason.  Thomas was beheaded first and his head was hung on the London Bridge on the way to Traitor’s gate, the entry of the Tower of London.  Catherine was held in the Tower of London as well.  Catherine was beheaded on February 13, 1542.  

 

Historic Significance 

Henry VIII was deeply humiliated by Catherine’s conduct as queen and her execution also conveyed to England that anyone who would dare to cross him could be put to death.