Noble Blood: Beheaded II (From the Archive) – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the episode titled "Beheaded II (From the Archive)" of Noble Blood, host Dana Schwartz delves into the tragic life of Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of King Henry VIII. This archival episode, released on January 14, 2025, continues Schwartz's exploration of Henry VIII's six wives, focusing on the youthful Catherine whose brief queenship ended in her execution. The episode meticulously examines whether Catherine was truly guilty of the accusations that led to her downfall.

Early Life and Upbringing

Catherine Howard's early years were marked by her upbringing under the care of her step-grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. At the age of eight, Catherine was sent to live at the Duchess's estate in Lambeth, where she was one of approximately a dozen girls being groomed for courtly life. Schwartz narrates:

"When Katherine Howard, motherless girl, was eight years old, she was sent to live at the estate of her father's stepmother, the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk." [12:00]

Despite the intention to teach the girls the skills of court and aristocracy, the supervision was lax, allowing for personal relationships and flirtations to develop.

Early Relationships: Mannix and Dereham

At thirteen, Catherine began flirtations that would shape her path. Her first relationship was with Henry Mannix, her music teacher, described as a "poetic musician" (#14:30). While their relationship remained purely flirtatious, it breached the expected norms of chastity for a young, aristocratic woman. Mannix's behavior later became a point of contention:

"I don't know why you're still seeing her," said Mary Lassells, another ward at the estate, highlighting the inappropriateness of the relationship. [20:45]

Following her split with Mannix, Catherine developed a relationship with Francis Dereham, the Duchess’s secretary. Their affair was more serious, characterized by mutual affection and secret exchanges. Schwartz notes:

"Within months, they were calling each other husband and wife, planning for an imaginary future together." [25:15]

Their clandestine meetings and exchanged gifts underscored a deep emotional bond, although Catherine remained young and impressionable.

Entrance into Henry VIII's Court

Catherine's family connections facilitated her entrance into the court of Henry VIII, where she became a lady-in-waiting for Queen Anne of Cleves. There, Catherine caught the eye of Thomas Culpepper, a charismatic and controversial gentleman with a rumored dark past, including allegations of rape and murder (#25:30).

Schwartz describes their courtly interactions:

"Culpepper saw Catherine, a stunningly gorgeous girl of 16. Every contemporary description of Katherine Howard has that in common. Common the understanding that Catherine was uniquely pretty." [30:00]

Despite Henry VIII's advancing age and health issues, he became enamored with Catherine. Their marriage was swift, occurring on the same day Henry's previous minister, Thomas Cromwell, was executed.

Marriage to Henry VIII and Court Life

The marriage between Henry VIII and Catherine Howard was marked by Henry's exuberant affection toward his young wife. Schwartz explains:

"Henry was so amorous to Catherine Howard that it almost embarrassed the rest of court. He didn't take his hands off of her in public, caressing her almost constantly." [35:00]

Catherine, however, struggled with the lack of an heir and the mounting pressures of court life. Her attempts to maintain her virtue were complicated by her lingering affections and interactions with Thomas Culpepper.

Downfall: Accusations and Investigation

Rumors about Catherine's past and her infidelities began to circulate, particularly after Francis Dereham implicated her in additional misconduct under torture. The investigation, led by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, was intended to be harsh but was hindered by Cranmer's empathy upon meeting the frightened Catherine.

During Catherine's interrogation, Cranmer struggled to maintain a severe demeanor:

"Did you lie with him?" [08:30]

Catherine's emotional breakdown and eventual confession led to her being sent to Sion Abbey, seemingly sparing her execution initially. However, Dereham's forced confession under torture revealed deeper accusations, sealing her fate.

Final Days and Execution

By November 1541, Catherine Howard's situation deteriorated rapidly. An Act of Attainder labeled her marriage to Henry VIII as treason, mandating her execution. Schwartz recounts her final moments with empathy:

"Catherine wanted to at least die with grace or as little humiliation as possible." [33:14]

In her final hours, Catherine practiced her beheading to minimize suffering. The executioner successfully severed her head with a single blow, bringing a swift end to her tumultuous life.

Host's Reflections and Ethical Considerations

Towards the episode's conclusion, Schwartz offers a thoughtful reflection on Catherine Howard's youth and the context of her actions:

"It's important to understand that these are real people, that Catherine was a teenager and her decision making and experiences were those of someone incredibly young. Personally, I find it most helpful not to make broad declarations about Catherine as a villain or a victim, but just to do my best to try to understand her with the most empathy I possibly can." [34:00]

She emphasizes the challenge of applying modern ethical standards to historical figures, acknowledging the complexities of Catherine's situation.

Conclusion

The "Beheaded II (From the Archive)" episode of Noble Blood provides a comprehensive and empathetic portrayal of Catherine Howard's life. Dana Schwartz successfully navigates the intricacies of Catherine's relationships, her rise to queenship, and her eventual execution, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of one of history's most tragic royal figures.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Catherine's Interrogation:

  "Did you lie with him?" – Thomas Cranmer [08:30]

• Host's Reflection on Catherine's Empathy:

  "Catherine was a teenager and her decision making and experiences were those of someone incredibly young." – Dana Schwartz [34:00]

• Final Execution Moments:

  "She had gone from orphan to lady, to queen, to dead in two years." – Dana Schwartz [29:15]

Additional Insights

Throughout the episode, Schwartz intertwines historical facts with empathetic storytelling, shedding light on the societal and personal pressures that influenced Catherine Howard's life choices. By contextualizing her actions within the norms of Tudor England, the episode invites listeners to reconsider judgments of historical figures through a more compassionate lens.

Production Credits

Noble Blood is produced by iHeartRadio and Grim & Mild, with additional writing and research by Hannah Johnston, Hannah Zwick, Courtney Sender, Amy Hite, and Julia Milani. The show is edited and produced by Jesse Funk, with supervising producer Rima Il Kayali and executive producers Erin Menke, Trevor Young, and Matt Frederick.