Loading summary
Lindsey Graham
There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad free. Listen with Wondry plus in the Wondery app as a member of Noiser plus at noiser.com or in Apple Podcasts. Or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts at IntoHistory.com It's July 28, 1540, at Oatland's Palace, a royal residence in Surrey, England. Dressed in a dazzling embroidered gown, Catherine Howard and her ladies in waiting are escorted through the endless chambers of the palace. Sunlight trickles through glass windows as she passes, dancing over Catherine's soft, fair skin and auburn hair. She's just 17 years old, barely more than a girl, but today she will become Queen of England. Reaching a large wooden door, she pauses. The palace chapel lies beyond, and her new husband is waiting for her. The heavy door swings open and standing at the far end of the chapel, King Henry VIII stares at Catherine, his mouth twitching toward a smile. Henry is over 30 years older than Catherine. He's dressed magnificently today, but even the finest tailors in the land can't disguise Henry's bloated body. But though Catherine may find him physically repulsive, she understands what marrying into royalty means for her family's standing and for her own. Catherine casts her eyes downward as she walks toward the king. Only a few of Henry's inner circle have been allowed to attend today's ceremony, but it doesn't make the moment any less daunting. Beneath her glittering gown, Catherine's heart pounds because she remembers the fates of Henry's previous wives. He may be smiling now, but she knows how quickly his favor can turn to fury. Catherine Howard becomes King Henry VIII's fifth wife. In the days ahead, he will shower her with gifts and affection, but the honeymoon won't last. Soon, old secrets will resurface, threatening Catherine's new life and bringing a sudden end to King Henry's latest marriage, which began on July 28, 1540. History Daily is sponsored by Atruby. Lately you may have been hearing about a serious but rare heart condition called attr cardiac amyloidosis, or attrcm. Because symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions, it may take time to be diagnosed, but learning more about ATTRCM and a treatment called atrube, also called acharamatis, could be important for you or a loved one. Atruby is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with ATTRCM to reduce death and hospitalization due to heart issues. In one study, people taking a saw an impact on their health related quality of life and 50% fewer hospitalizations due to heart issues than people who didn't take atruby, giving you more chances to do what you love with who you love. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, plan to become pregnant or a breastfeeding, and about the medications you take. The the most common side effects were mild and included diarrhea and abdominal pain. If you have attrcm, talk to your cardiologist about a Truby or visit attruby.com that's a T T R U B Y.com to learn more.
Unknown Advertiser
You've done it again. Finance teams. You closed the books and it went fine. Sure, some expenses were missing receipts, but that's fine. Stayed late to process invoices by hand. It's all fine, but don't you deserve better than fine? With ramp, expenses are submitted with a text, invoices are coded automatically, and everything is connected to your accounting system so you can close the books without all the busy work. Switch your business to ramp.com and love finance again.
Lindsey Graham
From Noiser and Airship I'm Lindsey Graham and this is history. Daily history is made every day on this podcast. Every day we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world. Today is July 28, 1540. Henry VII's fifth wedding. It's the summer of 1539 at an orchard in Sussex, England, a year before Catherine Howard's marriage to King Henry VIII. 16 year old Catherine hurries down a narrow path between the rows of fruit trees. She knows this area well. In the distance is a large manor house where Catherine lives as a ward of her step grandmother. Catherine is an orphan. Her mother died when she was young and her father was a spendthrift gambler who passed away earlier this year. But Catherine's luck has been better. She comes from the aristocracy and her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, is one of the most powerful men in the country. So despite her recent bereavement, Catherine's prospects are looking up. The Duke has sent word that she's secured Catherine a place at court as a maid of honor. This news thrills Catherine, but starting a new life means she'll need to end her old one. Waiting under an apple tree is Catherine's boy boyfriend, Frances Dereham. He straightens up when he sees her. They've met here before, many times, but today feels different. Steeling herself, Catherine tells Frances that she's leaving Surrey and moving to court. Frances laughs, thinking Catherine's joking, but her expression stays firm. She's going away, perhaps forever. Whatever they've had, it has to end. Frances doesn't take this news well. He reminds her of her promises, of their talk of marriage, but Catherine waves his objections away. Maybe she meant those things once, but now everything has changed. Catherine turns and then walks away through the orchard, leaving a devastated Francis behind. Over the coming weeks, Catherine packs her things and then heads to London. She settles into the Queen's household as one of the young women attending to Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII's fourth wife. And after she settles in, Catherine proves popular at court. She's young, charming and pretty, and before long, she catches the attention of someone important the King himself. Now in his late 40s, Henry is no longer the dashing prince of his youth. He's overweight and frequently ill, nursing an old jousting wound that has rotted his leg and resulted in a persistent putrid odor. But he's still the most powerful man in England, and despite his recent marriage, his eyes are always wandering. The union to Anne of Cleves was arranged for political reasons, but Henry complains that he finds Anne dull and unattractive. It's an open secret that the King is dissatisfied. So when his gaze lands on the radiant Catherine Howard, Henry begins to pursue her. He sends her gifts of gowns, jewels and tokens of affection. And even though the King has divorced one of his previous wives and executed another, the teenage Catherine is swept up in the attention. Her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, encourages the match because he knows that if Catherine becomes Queen, the entire Howard family will benefit. And in mid July of 1540, Henry's marriage to Anne of Cleves is annulled only six months after their wedding. A few weeks later, the King marries Catherine in a private ceremony at Oatland's Palace. At first, Henry is infatuated with his new bride, and for a time, it seems, the marriage might restore some of his lost vitality. But behind the scenes, Catherine begins to struggle. Life at court is isolating, especially for someone so young and inexperienced. King's moods are unpredictable. His physical condition confines him to long hours of immobility, while his frustration with his failing body sparks frequent displays of rage. There's a controlling edge and an inconsistency to his love that leaves Catherine uneasy and lonely. But on the outside, Catherine goes to great effort to appear like the perfect queen. Still, privately, her heart leads her down a dangerous path. In the spring of 1541, Catherine begins an affair with an old admirer, the courtier Thomas Culpepper. Before she married the King, Catherine had a fleeting romance with him, though it never went beyond flirtation. But now, as queen, Catherine grows close to Thomas, who provides the excitement she lacks in her marriage. Soon their relationship turns physical. A trusted lady in waiting helps deliver notes and gifts, and secret meetings are arranged far from the king's eyes. But Catherine's affair with Thomas is not the only thing she has to hide. Her ex boyfriend, Francis Deeren, begins pressuring her to give him a job at court. Masked in his request is a threat to reveal their shared past to Henry. If the king discovers that Catherine had a sexual relationship with someone before him, there's no telling what he might do. Francis would be punished too, of course, which makes this threat a foolish one. But Catherine still worries that Francis emotions outweigh his reason, and he'll sign both of their death warrants by telling the king the truth. So she grants him a position in her household. She hopes this will appease Francis, but her concerns about his recklessness soon prove justified. At court, Francis is indiscreet and can't stop himself from alluding to his relationship with Catherine. Rumors will soon begin to circulate, and before long, the secrets Catherine hoped to bury on her wedding day will be unearthed, setting in motion a chain of events she will be powerless to stop. History Daily is sponsored by Indeed. We've all done it. Try to take in all the grocery bags in one trip, but what happens when you can't manage it? A bruised banana? Some squished bread? It's often at the worst moment when you find out you need an extra pair of hands. And if you're running a business, the stakes are higher than, well, dropping stakes on the ground. When it comes to hiring fast, Indeed is all you need. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites. With Indeed sponsored Jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page so you can reach the people you want faster. And it makes a huge difference. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. There's no need to wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and History Daily, listeners will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com OND this day, just go to Indeed.comOnThis Day. That's Indeed.comOnThis Day. Terms and conditions apply. If you're hiring, Indeed is all you need.
Unknown Advertiser
With ring cameras and doorbells, you can see and speak to who's there from anywhere. Here's what that means for me when the pizza arrives and I'm in the backyard no problem. I can let them know I'll be right there. And my dog? I can keep an eye on him even when he's being sneaky. Just pan over and yup, caught him with my shoe again. The best part, when someone's lurking in my driveway, I can speak to them directly. Hi, can I help you with anything? It's amazing how quickly they leave when they realize they're being watched. With ring, you can see, speak and protect. Explore cameras, doorbells and more@ring.com It's November.
Lindsey Graham
1, 1541 at Hampton Court palace near London, 16 months after the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine Howard. Inside the chapel, Royal Queen Catherine walks solemnly down the aisle, trailed by her ladies. As she approaches the altar rail, she bows her head. But Catherine isn't praying. She's thinking desperately how she will survive what's coming. Up until now, Henry has shown no sign of doubting her. But there are rumors at court about Catherine. And she knows that if they reach the ear of the King, the consequences could be fatal. Up in the second floor gallery, King Henry VIII watches his wife from a private pew. And as Catherine and her attendants leave by a side door, a letter is quietly passed to him. Henry opens it. It's a private message from the Archbishop of Canterbury. And it levels a serious accusation. Queen Catherine is not the pure young bride she appears to be. Before her marriage to the King, she engaged in a sexual relationship with a man named Francis Dereham. Henry stares at the letter in disbelief. He exits the chapel and sends for the Archbishop. In a private chamber, the two men convene with a handful of Henry's most trusted advisors. The Archbishop explains that someone from Catherine's old home in Sussex has come forward with the claim. King just shakes his head. Whatever these stories are, he's confident they're fabricated. But the Archbishop is certain he has already conducted an investigation and secured damning testimony that confirms the story. Catherine was not a virgin when she married Henry. Too many people have told too many stories and they all line up. The King seethes with fury, just like his second wife, Anne Boleyn. It seems that Catherine has betrayed him and made him look like a fool. Over the next several days, the court is thrown into chaos as more members of Catherine's household are interrogated. One lady in waiting confesses to facilitating meetings between the Queen and Thomas Culpepper. And a love letter from Catherine is discovered in Thomas room. Faced with mounting evidence, Catherine and her former lovers confess, but try to downplay the sexual nature of their liaisons. It's of no use. By the end of the week, Francis and Thomas are both arrested. The Queen is stripped of her royal title and imprisoned at Sion Abbey, a disused convent near London. And while Catherine waits there to learn her fate, in early December 1541, her former lovers Thomas and Francis are convicted of high treason. Their executions are gruesome. Francis has hanged, drawn and quarrelled, quartered. Thomas is beheaded. Both of their heads are then mounted on spikes above London Bridge. But the King's vengeance doesn't end there. Henry soon turns his fury toward Catherine's family, the powerful clan that helped orchestrate her rise. Her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, escapes direct blame, but many others are not so lucky. Catherine's step grandmother is found guilty of concealing treason. Along with several other relatives. They are all sentenced to life in prison. Then comes Catherine's turn. In January of 1542, the English Parliament passes a new law, one clearly written with the former Queen in mind. This act declares that failure to disclose one's sexual history before marrying the King is in itself treason. And since this law is retroactive, Catherine's fate is sealed. The lords of the council arrive at Sion Abbey. They inform Catherine that she's to be escorted to the Tower of London, not for questioning, but for execution. As she's led out of The Abbey, the 18 year old Catherine panics. She breaks down in tears and begs them to let her stay. But her pleas go unanswered. Outside, a barge waits on the River Thames. Catherine is ushered on board and the journey to the Tower begins. They glide silently downriver, and as the sky darkens, the barge passes beneath London Bridge. Mounted high above, silhouetted in the last light of day, are the rotting heads of Francis Dereham and Thomas Culpepper. The barge stops soon after, and Catherine is escorted through the Traitor's gate into the Tower of London. Once inside, Catherine makes a request. She asks to see the block that she will die on. She wishes to rehearse her execution, how to kneel, how to bow her head, how to face her death with dignity. So with her hours numbered, Catherine will lay her head upon the executioner's block again and again. In a world that has spun violently away from her, this is the last thing she can control. But no matter how many times she will practice, nothing will truly prepare Catherine for what awaits her at dawn.
Unknown Advertiser
Everyone knows that feeling. Wanting to experience more stories, but struggling to find the time. That's where Audible changes everything. With over a million audiobooks and audible originals, there's a story waiting to spark anyone's imagination. Take the Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, the gripping psychological thriller that's keeping listeners on the edge of their seats. Imagine unraveling its mysteries during your morning commute or losing yourself in its twists and turns while doing household chores. That's the magic of Audible. It transforms daily routines into opportunities for thrilling discoveries. The best part? Members get access to thousands of included titles with new content added regularly. From best sellers to hidden gems, every genre imaginable is at their fingertips. And with one easy to use app, switching between favorites or discovering new passions has never been simpler. There's more to imagine when you listen. Start a free 30 day Audible trial and get your first audiobook free at audible.com wondery that's audible.com wondery@mathis home we.
Understand that your home is a reflection of you, and during our Spring Style Event, we have fresh new looks that are waiting to make your home look and feel great at the lowest prices. With all the latest styles in bloom, you'll find savings in every department. Whether it's a clean and modern sectional or a rustic and traditional dining table, we have it in stock with fast and free delivery. Come find the look that's right for you during the Spring Style Event at your furniture superstore. Mathis Home.
Lindsey Graham
Foreign it's the morning of February 13, 1542, at the Tower of London, three days after Catherine Howard was sentenced to death. Catherine, the former Queen of England, steps out into the chilly morning air. She's dressed in a dark gown with a stiff French hood framing her young face. She appears composed, but her breath catches as her eyes land on the executioner's scaffold. When Henry's second wife, Anne Boleyn, was executed, she was granted the mercy of a sword. But Catherine will die by the axe, and her hopes for a private execution have also been denied. All around her, the king's counselors and other dignitaries form a close ring. Though Catherine can see two men are notably absent. Her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, is nowhere to be seen and nor is Henry VIII himself. Catherine ascends the steps to the block and turns to address the gathered onlookers. She speaks softly but clearly of Christ and redemption, of her sentence's justice and the king's good government. She urges those watching to learn from her downfall. Then Catherine kneels. She nestles her neck on the familiar worn curve of the wooden block as a hush falls. Then the executioner raises his axe, and with a single stroke, Catherine Howard is dead. Following her execution, Catherine's body is laid to rest near Anne Boleyn within the Tower grounds. In the days that follow, Catherine's coat of arms are removed from the royal palaces, a final erasure of her brief, ill fated reign. The Howard family, once one of the most powerful in England, falls into disgrace. But after this public reckoning, a quieter mercy is granted. It seems the bloodletting is over. Catherine's friends and family, once sentenced to life in prison, are gradually pardoned and released. A year later, King Henry will marry his sixth and final wife, Catherine Parr. She will survive the perils of queenship that claimed so many before her, outliving the king and breaking the cycle of betrayal and bloodshed that Catherine Howard stepped into when she married Henry VIII on July 28, 1540. Next on History Daily July 29, 1954 after years of struggle, JRR Tolkien publishes the first installment of the Lord of the Rings. From Noiser and Airship this is History Daily Hosted, edited and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham Audio editing by Mohammed Shazi Sound design by Gabriel Gould Supervising Sound designer, Matthew Filler Music by Thrum. This episode is written and researched by Alexandra Curry Buckner. Edited by Scott Reeves Managing producer Emily Burke Executive producers are William Simpson for Airship and Pascal Hughes for Noiser.
Unknown Advertiser
Wherever you go, whatever they get into, from chill time to everyday adventures, protect your dog from parasites with Cridellio Guattro. For full safety information, side effects and warnings, visit cordelioquatrolabel.com consult your vet or call 1-888-545-5973. Ask your vet for Cordelia Quattro and visit quattrodog.com.
History Daily Episode Summary: "Henry VIII’s Fifth Wedding"
Host: Lindsey Graham
Podcast: History Daily
Release Date: July 28, 2025
In the July 28, 1540 episode of History Daily titled "Henry VIII’s Fifth Wedding," host Lindsey Graham delves into the tumultuous and tragic union between King Henry VIII and his fifth wife, Catherine Howard. This episode meticulously examines Catherine's rise to queenship, the complexities of her marriage to Henry VIII, and the ensuing scandal that led to her downfall.
Timestamp: 00:00-03:50
Catherine Howard, a 16-year-old orphan from Surrey, England, experiences a brief period of happiness as her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, secures her a position at the royal court. Living under the guardianship of her step-grandmother after her parents' untimely deaths, Catherine's prospects improve when she is appointed as a maid of honor to Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII's then-wife.
Notable Quote:
"Catherine's luck has been better. She comes from the aristocracy, and her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, is one of the most powerful men in the country."
– Lindsey Graham [02:30]
Timestamp: 03:50-10:39
Upon her arrival at court, Catherine quickly gains favor due to her youth, charm, and beauty. Despite Henry VIII being over 30 years her senior and physically unappealing, his attention is captivated by Catherine. The King, dissatisfied with his current marriage to Anne of Cleves, begins to pursue Catherine, showering her with gifts and affection. Encouraged by her uncle, Catherine's marriage to Henry VIII is hastily arranged, culminating in a private ceremony at Oatland's Palace in mid-July 1540.
Notable Quote:
"Even though the King has divorced one of his previous wives and executed another, the teenage Catherine is swept up in the attention."
– Lindsey Graham [07:15]
Timestamp: 10:39-16:03
The initial phase of Catherine and Henry's marriage appears promising, with Henry showing genuine affection. However, life at court proves isolating for Catherine. Henry's unpredictable moods, compounded by his physical ailments and frequent outbursts of rage, create a tense and lonely environment for the young queen. Despite maintaining a facade of the perfect queen, Catherine struggles privately with her circumstances.
Notable Quote:
"Catherine goes to great effort to appear like the perfect queen. Still, privately, her heart leads her down a dangerous path."
– Lindsey Graham [12:45]
Timestamp: 16:03-17:40
In the spring of 1541, Catherine begins an affair with Thomas Culpepper, a courtier and an old admirer. Their relationship, initially a rekindling of a past flirtation, soon becomes physical. Their clandestine meetings, facilitated by a trusted lady-in-waiting, provide Catherine with the excitement and companionship she lacks in her marriage. Concurrently, Catherine faces pressure from her ex-boyfriend, Francis Dereham, who threatens to expose her past unless granted a position at court.
Notable Quote:
"Whatever she will control, in a world that has spun violently away from her, this is the last thing she can."
– Lindsey Graham [14:30]
Timestamp: 17:40-20:40
Rumors about Catherine's infidelity begin to circulate within the court, particularly due to Francis Dereham's indiscreet behavior. A private letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury accuses Catherine of non-virginity before her marriage to Henry VIII, a claim that Henry initially dismisses. However, the Archbishop presents what he believes to be irrefutable evidence. As investigations proceed, more members of Catherine's household are interrogated, and damning evidence comes to light, including love letters and confessions from Catherine and her lovers.
Notable Quote:
"Catherine's coat of arms are removed from the royal palaces, a final erasure of her brief, ill-fated reign."
– Lindsey Graham [19:00]
Timestamp: 20:40-End
Facing overwhelming evidence, Catherine is stripped of her title and imprisoned at Sion Abbey. Her former lovers, Francis Dereham and Thomas Culpepper, are executed for high treason. In January 1542, a new law retroactively declaring the concealment of one’s sexual history as treason seals Catherine's fate. She is transferred to the Tower of London for execution. Demonstrating her resilience, Catherine requests to rehearse her execution, seeking to maintain her dignity in the face of death.
Notable Quote:
"Catherine isn’t praying. She's thinking desperately how she will survive what's coming."
– Lindsey Graham [21:15]
Timestamp: End of Transcript
On February 13, 1542, Catherine Howard is executed by beheading at the Tower of London. Her demise marks the fall of the Howard family from grace, though her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, evades direct punishment. The episode concludes by highlighting the temporary mercy shown to Catherine's remaining family and the broader impact of her execution on the English court. A year later, Henry VIII marries Catherine Parr, who manages to survive the perilous life of a Tudor queen.
Notable Quote:
"In a world that has spun violently away from her, this is the last thing she can control."
– Lindsey Graham [22:30]
Lindsey Graham's narrative in "Henry VIII’s Fifth Wedding" offers a poignant exploration of Catherine Howard's brief and tragic tenure as queen. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the episode sheds light on the complexities of court life, the vulnerabilities of royal marriages, and the perilous nature of power dynamics in Tudor England.
Closing Quote:
"This episode is written and researched by Alexandra Curry Buckner."
– Lindsey Graham [23:50]
Note: Advertisements and sponsorship segments interspersed within the episode have been intentionally omitted from this summary to maintain focus on the historical content.