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THOMAS CULPEPPER

 

Date of Birth: c. 1514

Date of Death: 12 / 10 / 1541

 

Crime: High Treason, arrested for adultery

 

Biography

Thomas Culpepper was a gentleman of the privy chamber where he met Katherine Howard while she was in Queen Anne of Cleves court.  He became infatuated with Katherine and after she married King Henry VIII, they still saw each other in secret.  When King Henry VIII found out about Queen Katherine’s infidelities before their marriage, one of Queen Katherine’s ladies came forward and informed the King that Queen Katherine was still seeing Thomas Culpepper.  

 

Trial and Execution

Thomas was arrested for high treason and his belongings were confiscated.  In his belongings was a letter from Queen Katherine.  There is no evidence of a romantic relationship between Queen Katherine and Thomas but Thomas was found guilty and he was sentenced to hanging, drawing and quartering.  Thomas appealed this and King Henry VIII granted Thomas beheading.  He was beheaded December 10, 1541 without incident.  His head was boiled for preservation and it was hung on the London Bridge gate as a reminder to those who entered of what would happen if they attempted to deceive the king.  

 

Historic Significance

Thomas Culpeppers’ head was hung at the gate at London Bridge signifying that he was a traitor to the king and that he was made an example of.