484 years ago, amongst the walls of the Tower of London, a young woman stepped out into the cold February air to mount a scaffold, but would only come back down again once she was dead.
Thank you so much for writing this because I fear I had fallen victim to the Katheryn Howard propaganda. She is the wife that I know least about out of the six and I have only heard the slanderous things about her: treason, adultery, etc. But this clears up so much; Henry was constantly changing the law to suit himself and inventing slander, an absolute mad lad.
Your writing style is also very pleasant to read and flows really well! And the last line: "But to me, what a wonderful woman she was." So beautiful! It was a pleasure to read of her last moments in the words of someone who holds such admiration for her! Great article!
Wow, thank you so much for this! It is easily done, especially when largely known and highly regarded historians call her a ‘wanton’ and ‘little more than a prostitute’ thus insinuating or flat out stating she deserved it, it is to follow their opinions. Yes absolutely, especially during this time when he had become increasingly paranoid and unstable; what Katheryn endured was a complete injustice. In fact, when Mary I came to the throne, she actually reversed a lot, if not all the attainders against her supporters and victims of Henry VIII’s reign, including Katheryn’s, which means she’s actually, legally, cleared. Thank you so much! I’m not a prolific writer, so that really means a lot and gives me motivation to continue! If you ever want to read a well-rounded and human biography of Katheryn and her life, I’d highly recommend ‘Young & Damned & Fair’ by Gareth Russell and any podcasts he’s done on her. Thank you so much again! It’s much appreciated.
That makes me so happy to know that Mary did that! And I’ll definitely check out Gareth Russell, thanks for the recommendation! And please keep writing!!
The fact that this publication is called 'the curiosity cabinet' feels very fitting for me. I'll admit, I don't know lots about Henry VIII's wives, however your article showed up on my 'for you' page and I was curious. And wow! What an insightful and utterly brilliant read. The way you make this topic accessible to someone who doesn't have lots of contextual knowledge around Kathryn Howard is second to none! Your piece highlights the abuse that women have been forced to deal with for centuries, and how even a 'perfect woman', 'a perfectionist' (as you describe Kathryn) can 'do wrong' and suffer grave consequences (and by 'do wrong' I mean slightly challenge a man's ego... as you say).
Thank you for sharing your words in such an insightful, but equally poetic way!
Thank you so much! I’m glad I could share a little bit on Katheryn, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Absolutely, essentially during Henry VIII’s reign you could look at him funny and end up on the block…
Thank you so much for your kind words, it really gives me the motivation and confidence to continue writing!
Thank you so much for writing this because I fear I had fallen victim to the Katheryn Howard propaganda. She is the wife that I know least about out of the six and I have only heard the slanderous things about her: treason, adultery, etc. But this clears up so much; Henry was constantly changing the law to suit himself and inventing slander, an absolute mad lad.
Your writing style is also very pleasant to read and flows really well! And the last line: "But to me, what a wonderful woman she was." So beautiful! It was a pleasure to read of her last moments in the words of someone who holds such admiration for her! Great article!
Wow, thank you so much for this! It is easily done, especially when largely known and highly regarded historians call her a ‘wanton’ and ‘little more than a prostitute’ thus insinuating or flat out stating she deserved it, it is to follow their opinions. Yes absolutely, especially during this time when he had become increasingly paranoid and unstable; what Katheryn endured was a complete injustice. In fact, when Mary I came to the throne, she actually reversed a lot, if not all the attainders against her supporters and victims of Henry VIII’s reign, including Katheryn’s, which means she’s actually, legally, cleared. Thank you so much! I’m not a prolific writer, so that really means a lot and gives me motivation to continue! If you ever want to read a well-rounded and human biography of Katheryn and her life, I’d highly recommend ‘Young & Damned & Fair’ by Gareth Russell and any podcasts he’s done on her. Thank you so much again! It’s much appreciated.
That makes me so happy to know that Mary did that! And I’ll definitely check out Gareth Russell, thanks for the recommendation! And please keep writing!!
peak substack
ah thank you so much! :’)
What a beautiful account, placing her in a more dignified and believable context!
Thank you so much! I am so glad you think so, that is always my aim
The fact that this publication is called 'the curiosity cabinet' feels very fitting for me. I'll admit, I don't know lots about Henry VIII's wives, however your article showed up on my 'for you' page and I was curious. And wow! What an insightful and utterly brilliant read. The way you make this topic accessible to someone who doesn't have lots of contextual knowledge around Kathryn Howard is second to none! Your piece highlights the abuse that women have been forced to deal with for centuries, and how even a 'perfect woman', 'a perfectionist' (as you describe Kathryn) can 'do wrong' and suffer grave consequences (and by 'do wrong' I mean slightly challenge a man's ego... as you say).
Thank you for sharing your words in such an insightful, but equally poetic way!
Thank you so much! I’m glad I could share a little bit on Katheryn, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Absolutely, essentially during Henry VIII’s reign you could look at him funny and end up on the block…
Thank you so much for your kind words, it really gives me the motivation and confidence to continue writing!