Catherine Howard was executed on 13 February 1542 for high treason at the Tower of London.

Who was Catherine Howard?

Catherine Howard was the pretty fifth wife of King Henry VIII and the cousin of Anne Boleyn. Henry was besotted with her, calling her his 'Rose without a Thorn' and showered her with gifts and public affection. They married on 28 July 1540 at Oatlands Palace, London.

Who was Henry VIII?

Henry Vlll is probably the most well known of the Tudor kings.

Who were the Tudors?

The Tudors were Welsh and ruled England from 1485 - 1603. They brought peace to England after 150 years of virtually continuous warfare, encouraged new religious ideas, overseas exploration and colonisation.

Catherine Howard arrested

After her marriage to Henry VIII, who had become an old, repulsive, obese man, she had an affair with the young and handsome Thomas Culpepper. And was found out. King Henry was devastated. Catherine was arrested at Hampton Court for adultery.

Death by Beheading

Catherine was just 18 years old when she was beheaded. Legend has it that Catherine's last words were: "I die a queen, but would rather die the wife of Culpepper."

Links

Henry VIII

Henry's six wives

The Tudor Kings and Queens

Tower of London

Also on this day ....

Maha Shivaratri (Great Shiva Night) (Hindu)
The main festival to worship Shiva, one of the most important forms of God. Many Hindus will fast and prayers are focused on Shiva and his shrines and statues.
Each new moon is dedicated to Shiva, but Maha Shivratri is especially important because it is the night when he danced the 'Tandav', his cosmic dance.