Who was Catherine Howard? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Katheryn Howard

Died At Age: 21

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Henry VIII of England

father: Lord Edmund Howard

mother: Joyce Culpeper

siblings: Charles Howard, Isabel Leigh

Born Country: England

Empresses & Queens British Women

Died on: February 13, 1542

place of death: London, England, United Kingdom

City: London, England

Cause of Death: Execution

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1

What led to Catherine Howard's downfall?

Catherine Howard's downfall was primarily due to her affair with Thomas Culpeper, a member of the king's court, which was discovered by the king's advisors.
2

How did Catherine Howard become Queen of England?

Catherine Howard became Queen of England by marrying King Henry VIII in July 1540, after the annulment of his marriage to Anne of Cleves.
3

What were the consequences of Catherine Howard's actions?

Catherine Howard's actions, particularly her affair with Thomas Culpeper, led to her arrest, imprisonment, and eventual execution for treason.
4

How old was Catherine Howard when she became Queen?

Catherine Howard was believed to be around 17 or 18 years old when she became Queen of England after marrying King Henry VIII.
5

What was Catherine Howard's reputation during her time as Queen?

Catherine Howard's reputation during her time as Queen was marred by rumors of her infidelity and inappropriate behavior at court, which ultimately contributed to her downfall.

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Childhood & Early Life

The exact date of Catherine Howard’s birth is uncertain. However, it is said to be around 1520 to 1521 (or even as late as 1524). (Reports suggest that Catherine was around 16 or 17 when she attracted the attention of Henry VIII in 1540).

Catherine Howard was the daughter of Lord Edmund Howard and the granddaughter of Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk. She was also the niece of another person named Thomas Howard who was the 3rd Duke of Norfolk.

Despite belonging to an aristocratic family through her grandfather, Catherine’s family, led by her father Lord Edmund Howard, was impoverished.

Her father, Lord Edmund Howard, was not a first-born son, which meant he had no immediate claim to inheritance, according to the rule of primogeniture.

Catherine’s father was said to be a man of misadventure and poverty. In 1527, when Catherine was about seven, her father sent his wife to plead for financial support from the Cardinal.

In 1528, Catherine’s mother, Joyce Culpeper, died. Subsequently, her father sent her to live with her step-grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk.

At the time, children were raised strictly. ‘Spare the rod and spoil the children’ was the maxim. However, Catherine often escaped corporeal punishment as the Dowager Duchess was often away on Court business.

At around 1535 or 1536, the Dowager Duchess arranged music lessons for Catherine (the lute and virginal) from a Henry Manox (also spelt Mannox) who would later testify to molesting her. She would have been 12 or 13 and him 35 or 36 at the time of molesting her.

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Career

Around 1539, Catherine’s well-known uncle secured a place for her in the staff of the king’s soon to be fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.

As the king’s young wife – Henry was 49 and Catherine was about 17 to 19 at the time of their marriage – Howard’s appearance generated interest. She was reported as “very small” but sprightly and graceful in manner.

When Catherine was introduced to the king, she was described as being chaste, obedient and silent – qualities that were expected of women around the 1530s.

In around 1540, the French Ambassador speaking to the King of France, Francis I, stated that Catherine was “a lady of great beauty.” He later modified this statement saying that Howard was ‘of moderate beauty’ but with “superlative grace.”

Catherine Howard was known for wearing French garments which were fashionable at the time.

While Catherine was not known for her state work, reports show that as a queen she did seek promotions for some relatives and chaplains whom she was familiar with.

In 1540, she interceded on a few matters to have prisoners released and pardoned. As the queen, she pardoned Thomas Wyatt and his staff, who were associates of Thomas Cromwell who had fallen out of favour with the King and was executed.

It is reported that Catherine had a dislike to the rampant capital punishments that occurred at the time. She intervened to save a thief’s hand on one occasion, according to Smith’s account.

Family & Personal Life

From 1538, it was relatively well known that Catherine Howard had a relationship with a well-off gentleman of the Duke named Francis Dereham.

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Catherine later claimed that she had sexual relationship with Dereham only for three months in 1538. However, there were rumours (most likely untrue) that the couple had been intimate since Catherine was 12.

Catherine Howard attracted the king’s attention when she was 16 or 17. It was around this time (1540) that Henry VIII became dissatisfied with his fourth marriage with Anne of Cleves.

Henry VIII and Catherine Howard were married on July 28, 1540. She was introduced to the public as the queen on the 8th of August at ‘Hampton Court Palace.’

The king appeared to be in love with his new queen for at least twelve months. However, soon after, rumours started to spread about her alleged pre-marital affairs.

On December 1, 1541, Henry Mannox, Francis Dereham, and Thomas Culpeper were said to have pleaded guilty to charges of treason (for the said sexual events).

On December 3, 1541, Henry Mannox and Francis Dereham were executed and their heads were placed on spikes for public display.

Two months later in February 1542, the council convicted Catherine Howard of treason. She wasn’t given a chance to defend herself. She was beheaded at the Tower of London two days later.

Facts About Catherine Howard

Catherine Howard was the fifth wife of King Henry VIII of England, marrying him when she was only around 17.

Despite her youth, Catherine Howard was known for her charm and beauty, captivating the attention of many at the royal court.

Catherine Howard was well-educated and enjoyed music and dancing, often participating in courtly activities and entertainments.

She had a close relationship with her cousin, Anne Boleyn, who had also been a wife of King Henry VIII and was famously executed.

Catherine Howard's short-lived reign as queen consort was marked by her kindness and generosity towards others, particularly those in need.

Catherine Howard Biography

You wanted to know

What led to Catherine Howard's downfall?

How did Catherine Howard become Queen of England?

What were the consequences of Catherine Howard's actions?

How old was Catherine Howard when she became Queen?

What was Catherine Howard's reputation during her time as Queen?