Podcast Summary: Not Just the Tudors – Episode: Six Wives: Katherine Howard & Kateryn Parr

Introduction

In this episode of Not Just the Tudors, hosted by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, the focus shifts to Henry VIII's fifth and sixth wives: Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr. Building on previous discussions about Henry's other wives—Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, and Anne of Cleves—this double episode delves into the nuanced lives of these two influential women who, despite their tragic marriages to Henry VIII, left indelible marks on history.

Catherine Howard: Vixen or Victim?

The episode begins with an exploration of Catherine Howard's complex legacy. Professor Lipscomb highlights the dichotomy in historical interpretations of Catherine:

• Vixen Portrayal: Historian Alison Plowden labeled Catherine as a “natural tart,” while Alison Weir described her as “promiscuous and incredibly stupid” (04:45). David Starkey noted her adeptness at attracting men, stating, “Sex with her was easy because she made it easy” (04:45).

• Victim Perspective: Contrasting views from Rita Warnake and Joanna Denny present Catherine as a victim of her circumstances, describing her as “a vulnerable and abused child” (04:45).

Dr. Nicola Clark explains that Victorian morality significantly influenced these portrayals, initially casting Catherine as a temptress. Over time, historians have re-evaluated her role, considering her as a victim of societal and patriarchal pressures (04:45).

Catherine's Family Background and Early Life

Gareth Russell details Catherine Howard's aristocratic lineage, being the daughter of Edmund Howard, younger son of the Duke of Norfolk. Despite her affluent upbringing, her father struggled with chronic debt, forcing him into hiding and leaving Catherine under the care of her stepgrandmother after her mother's untimely death (09:35).

The uncertainty surrounding Catherine's birth date—ranging from 1518 to 1527—adds complexity to understanding her early years. Dr. Clark estimates her birth in the early 1520s, suggesting she was around 17 or 18 when she married Henry VIII (10:56).

Marriage to Henry VIII and Affairs

Professor Lipscomb outlines Catherine Howard's marriage to Henry VIII in July 1540, a union that lasted less than two years before her execution in February 1542. Key discussions include:

• Initial Relationship: Catherine had an early affair with Henry Mannox, her music teacher, characterized by secrecy and power imbalance. Dr. Clark debates whether this constituted sexual abuse, noting the complex dynamics and Catherine's agency within the relationship (15:23).

• Affair with Francis Dereham: Catherine's more serious affair with her kinsman Francis Dereham becomes the focal point of her downfall. Their relationship, marked by mutual affection and public secrecy, ultimately led to her arrest when truth about their liaison emerged (19:36).

Notable Quote:

Dr. Clark: “She seems to have had quite a lot of choice. She drops Mannox... She picked up Dereham.” (19:56)

Downfall and Execution

The interaction with Archbishop Thomas Cranmer and the ensuing interrogations played a pivotal role in Catherine's execution. The legal intricacies of Tudor treason laws meant that even the intent to commit adultery could be deemed treasonous. Dr. Clark emphasizes that Catherine’s own confessions, particularly her shift from admitting affairs to portraying herself as a victim, sealed her fate (37:02).

Gareth Russell criticizes the legal processes, highlighting the vindictiveness in Henry VIII's reaction and the cumbersome methods used to execute Catherine (41:14).

Catherine Parr: From Aristocrat to Influential Queen

Transitioning to Catherine Parr, Dr. Susan James provides an extensive overview of her life before and during her marriage to Henry VIII:

• Early Life and Marriages: Catherine Parr was born to a well-educated single mother, Maude Parr, who instilled in her a strong sense of independence and intellectual prowess. Her marriages to Edward Borough and John Neville, Lord Latimer, were marked by political alliances and personal tragedies, including the Pilgrimage of Grace uprising which traumatized her and led her to court service (45:44).

• Role as Queen Consort: As Henry VIII’s sixth wife, Catherine Parr was not only a devoted stepmother to Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward but also an active patron of the arts and education. Dr. Charlotte Bolland notes her proactive engagement with portraiture and self-presentation, reflecting her intelligence and piety (57:28).

Notable Quote:

Susan James: “She was an extraordinary woman who was seminal in the line of succession for Mary and Elizabeth. She was arguably the first activist queen of the Reformation.” (89:16)

Intellectual Contributions and Religious Influence

Catherine Parr's contributions extended beyond her role as queen. She was a prolific writer, authoring works like Prayers or Meditations and Lamentation of a Sinner. Her translations and writings supported the Protestant Reformation, aligning closely with Archbishop Cranmer’s religious reforms:

• Literary Works: Catherine’s Lamentation of a Sinner is notable as the first book by an English woman published under her own name, reflecting her theological and literary acumen (66:23).

• Religious Patronage: She oversaw translations of biblical texts into English, influenced vernacular literature, and interacted closely with key religious figures to promote Reformation ideals (69:21).

Notable Quote:

Dr. Micheline White: “She was working really closely with [Henry] and Cranmer, which enables us to imagine the space that she was writing was not an isolated space but at the center of the court.” (73:12)

Conflict and Final Years

Catherine Parr’s later years were marked by political maneuvering and personal challenges:

• Opposition and Plotting: As a prominent supporter of the Reformation, Catherine became a target for conservative factions at court. Accusations of heresy and witchcraft were levied against her, leading to her temporary downfall and subsequent rehabilitation thanks to her relationships with influential courtiers (77:43).

• Marriage to Thomas Seymour: After Henry VIII's death in January 1547, Catherine quickly remarried Thomas Seymour, brother to Jane Seymour. Their marriage was fraught with tension and accusations of impropriety, particularly concerning Seymour's interactions with Elizabeth, Henry's daughter. Dr. Elizabeth Norton interprets these actions as indicative of Thomas's controlling nature and possible emotional abuse, though Susan James argues it may have been a result of Catherine's own emotional state post-Henry’s death (84:02).

• Death: Catherine Parr died in August 1548 due to complications from childbirth, leaving behind a legacy as an intellectual and reformist queen.

Legacy

Professor Lipscomb and Dr. Susan James emphasize Catherine Parr's significant yet often understated contributions to Tudor England. Her role in shaping the succession, advancing the Reformation, and patronizing the arts underscore her importance in English history.

Notable Quote:

Susan James: “She was just a remarkable woman who has been terribly undervalued by history.” (89:16)

Conclusion

This episode of Not Just the Tudors presents a balanced and in-depth examination of Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting their agency, intelligence, and impact. Through interviews with historians like Dr. Nicola Clark, Dr. Charlotte Bolland, Susan James, and Dr. Micheline White, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of these two queens who navigated the treacherous waters of Henry VIII’s court with varying degrees of success and influence.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Nicola Clark (10:56): “Not enough evidence of her birth date... She was around 17 or 18 by the time she marries the King.”
• Gareth Russell (19:56): “She drops Mannox... She picked up Dereham.”
• Susan James (89:16): “She was an extraordinary woman who was seminal in the line of succession for Mary and Elizabeth.”
• Dr. Micheline White (73:12): “She was working really closely with [Henry] and Cranmer, which enables us to imagine the space that she was writing was not an isolated space but at the center of the court.”
• Dr. Elizabeth Norton (84:02): “I have a soft spot for Catherine... It’s difficult to square the Catherine of Henry VIII with the woman who is involved with her husband's relationship with her stepdaughter.”

Final Thoughts

Not Just the Tudors expertly navigates the complexities of Henry VIII’s wives, offering fresh perspectives and scholarly insights. This episode not only sheds light on the personal lives of Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr but also underscores their broader historical significance.