Hey, this is Heather from the Renaissance English History Podcast, and this is your Tudor Minute for November 2.
Today in 1541 Archbishop Thomas Cranmer left a letter for Henry VIII in the chapel at Hampton Court giving details about his wife Catherine Howard’s past. Henry had married Catherine thinking she was an innocent virgin – which she was not. A woman who knew Catherine when they were younger had told a story of Catherine’s relationship with Francis Derham, as well as her music tutor Henry Manox.
At first Henry didn’t believe it, thinking that she was an honest woman, and not doubting her, but he organized an investigation – which would, of course, highlight that she had committed adultery on top of all of the other stuff. Catherine would be executed about three months later.
That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com.