Katherine Howard, Fifth Wife of Henry VIII
Written by: Margaret Odrowaz-Sypniewski, B.F.A.
Henry then married Katharine Howard on July 28, 1540, shortly after the annullment of his marriage to Ann of Cleves. Katherine was born in 1525, making her 18 years old at the time of their marriage. Katherine, like Anne Boleyn, was beheaded on February 13, 1542; for adultery. Katherine was the daughter of Edmund Howard and was first cousin to second wife, Anne Boleyn. Katharine Howard was the most unfortunate of Henry's wives. They were married July 28, 1540 at Oatland Palace in Surrey, England. Katherine was executed on July 12, 1542 for adultery, and her lovers were named as: Henry Manox (her music teacher), Francis Dereham, Edward Waldegrave, and Thomas Culpepper. Only Dersham and Culpepper were beheaded. Katherine was buried in the Chapel of Saint Peter-ad-vincula, Tower of London. Katherine Howard, as her cousin Anne Boleyn, has bloodlines back to Edward I.
After Katherine's death, Anne Basset caught Henry's eye, but she wanted nothing to do with him since his record for killing his wives was high.