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Katheryn Howard: Henry’s Thorny Rose (Part 1)

© Lyndal White

INTRODUCTION

Having been a student of Tudor history for many years I am often enraged then saddened by the slurs and critical writings of historians regarding Henry VIII's fifth queen, Katheryn Howard, and the manner in which they have been written. The purpose of this essay is therefore to change long held views and opinions and try to present young Mistress Howard's case from a different angle. It is up to the reader to either accept or reject this singular opinion but, bear in mind, she was, after all....just a girl....

If Henry's first four marriages were problematic then his fifth was an utter disaster. Tied to his Flanders mare from which there seemed no dignified escape, and seemingly oblivious of his own aging and corpulence he was apparently unaware that he no longer presented to his court, and people, the golden youth who had once captivated and enchanted his kingdom. He was also blissfully ignorant of the horror which the European courts now held for his despotic rule. Unhappy, middle-aged and bored, satiated with all fleshy indulgences he now sought a new escape, one which would bring flattering female company and reinforce his reputation, (if only in his own mind) that he could still dazzle and charm; and that the crown he could offer another fresh young damsel was still the greatest prize worth attaining.

Had Henry's ability to see himself more clearly been heightened he would have laughed at this proposed romantic endeavour but age muddied the issue so he simply did not. Unwillingly or unable to face a future of loneliness, and surrounded by fawners and smooth talkers, he allowed himself the luxury of self deception which resulted in perhaps the highest price he would ever pay, the memory of a young girl whom he had loved and lost.

Therefore in this mind-set, and dissatisfied with his current marriage, the stage was set for change and onto that stage swept Katheryn Howard, his Rose Without A Thorn. Reportedly, he was instantly captivated with her freshness and unspoiled charm and, although young enough to be his grand-daughter, the age gap apparently presented no problem to him, however to her it was probably a very different matter.

In a very short space of time he loved her to distraction, Katheryn becoming the most cherished and pampered of Henry's wives. Here at last was the Tudor ideal, red-gold hair, plump, pink and white and pretty. In contrast with her cousin Anne Boleyn's darkness (considered unattractive in the Tudor era) one could almost imagine attaching a pair of downy wings to this earth-bound cherub and she could have fluttered over the Throne of England, basking in her besotted husband's dotage. Had Katheryn been wise or armed with even a little foresight she would have realized that her freedom would come later in life, by earning the title of Dowager Queen from where she could have ruled a court with her youth and vitality.

The copyright of the article Katheryn Howard: Henry’s Thorny Rose (Part 1) in Tudor England is owned by Wendy J. Dunn. Permission to republish Katheryn Howard: Henry’s Thorny Rose (Part 1) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.