Katherine Howard

Book Review: The Forgotten Tudor Women

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While searching for books to add to my Christmas list I came across The Forgotten Tudor Women by Silvia Barbara Soberton. The book intrigued me because it was about three women in Tudor history that we often don't hear enough about - Margaret Douglas, Mary Howard and Mary Shelton. As you probably already know I recently wrote an article about Mary Howard and really enjoyed learning more about her during my research.  All I had known prior to researching her was that sh [More]

Anne Parr: Witness to History

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Lady Anne Parr was sister to Kateryn Parr -- sixth wife of Henry VIII. Anne Parr is unique because she was either a Maid-of-Honor, or Lady-in-Waiting to all the wives of Henry VIII, all six. A Maid-of-Honor was generally a young girl in her teens, just starting out at court. In order to hold the position one had to be part of a noble family. Physical beauty was also requirement, so we must assume Anne was considered attractive. A Maid-of-Honor also had to impress courtiers [More]

The Legacy of Henry VIII

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When you think of infamous English monarchs who is the first to come to mind? Henry VIII? King Henry VIII is popularly known for marrying six times and executing two of his wives, as well as his famous split from Rome. It might surprise you to learn that Henry VIII was considered one of the most prolific builders of the English monarchs. He also helped to increase the size of the English Navy with ships like: Henry Grace a Dieu, The Mary Rose, The Peter and man [More]

The Tower of London – the Most Haunted Castle in England

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The Tower of London could be called the most haunted place in London as it has seen hundred of executions. Some justified, some not. Many of the prisoners who entered the Tower only left to go to their execution. Most executions were public events and were well attended. Seems a little morbid now. Traitors could expect to be hung, drawn and quartered - the most inhumane of executions - the prisoner was hung and cut down still alive, their heart and entrails removed and [More]

Tudor Queens Who Haunt Hampton Court Palace

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From Anne Boleyn, to Jane Seymour and Katherine Howard -- all are said to haunt Hampton Court Palace. Anne Boleyn spent many happy days with Henry VIII here, Jane Seymour gave birth to the long desired prince and died here, and Katherine Howard was said to plead for her life in the gallery outside of where Henry was said to have been praying. "With 500 years of dramatic, often violent history, Hampton Court Palace is commonly regarded as one of Britains most haunte [More]

Rise & Fall: Katherine Howard

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"Rose without a Thorn" On 28 July 1540, Henry VIII married Katherine Howard at Oatlands Palace (see image). The ceremony was performed by Bishop Bonner in private. Their nuptials were kept secret for ten days before returning to the insanity of court life. The king, who was infatuated with his new bride, wanted to spend quality time alone with her before returning to his courtly duties. In Katherine, Henry found what represented the qualities that he admired most [More]

The Tudor Dynasty

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The Tudor Dynasty began when Henry VII took the throne of England, married Elizabeth of York and had children. You could argue that the Tudor dynasty began with Margaret Beaufort and Edmund Tudor or maybe even Catherine of Valois and Owen Tudor. For now, let's assume it began with Henry and Elizabeth. To make things a little easier to understand I tried to color code: Green: Children of Henry VII & Elizabeth of York (E.o.Y) Purple: Descendants of Margaret Tudor Blue: [More]