His next marriage would be for love and not for duty, enter Catherine Howard.
Catherine Howard
Catherine was already fairly well known at court. She had been an attendant to Katherine of Aragon when Katherine had married Henry's brother Arthur, back in 1501. She was a godparent to the princesses Mary and Elizabeth and had also been Anne of Cleves matron of honour when Anne had married Henry.
Catherine was one of ten children and is believed to have been born between 1523-1525. A cousin to Anne Boleyn, Anne's execution had placed all of her relatives, including the Howard family in shame. The year of Boleyn's execution saw Catherine taking music lessons from a man called Henry Maddox.
Maddox became charmed by the young Miss Howard and when Catherine was placed in the household of the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk to learn and be taught the ways and manners of a lady, he followed her there and sought a position in the Dowager's household.
Also residing in the household was a man called Francis Dereham. He and Catherine grew very close; even to the point of them believing that they were engaged. Maddox of course was furious that he had been cast aside and spilled the beans to the Dowager Duchess. Francis was immediately sent out of the household and Catherine was probably beaten for her part in it.
Catherine went on to become a member of Anne of Cleve's household. It is believed that this may have been the first time that Henry noticed Catherine. On July 9th 1540, his marriage to Anne was annulled and on July 28th, he and Catherine were married. To mark the day, Henry ordered the execution of Thomas Cromwell. He had never forgiven the man for arranging the marriage to Anne of Cleves. The Duke of Norfolk - Thomas Howard, helped Cromwell towards execution. But of course! For he also just happened to be Catherine's uncle. Howard was more than ready to step into Cromwell's spot as chief advisor to the king.
Seeing as Catherine's actual birth date was unclear, we're not sure of her age when she married Henry. We know that she most likely was between the ages of fifteen-seventeen. Henry though was fifty years old! Catherine was not an innocent youngster despite her age. Her time with the Dowager had wisened her to the ways of the world. Aside from the Dereham upset, Catherine was fairly free to do as she chose and her main source of company was with women that taught her just about all they knew!
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