Howard, Catherine
(round 1520-1542)
The fifth wife of King Henry VIII from England.

Catherine was a granddaughter of Thomas Howard, the second Duke of Norfolk. Even before Henry could get a divorce from his fourth wife , he frequently dated Catherine which was arranged by Stephen Gardiner, bishop of Winchester. Catherine was Anne Boleyn’s 15 year old cousin and the favourite of the Catholic yard party. On 9 July 1540 Henry left his fourth wife, Anna von Kleve, and married Catherine on 28 July, the day of Cromwell’s death. Unhappily married with Henry VIII., who was probably already impotent at that time, she looked for comfort with a courtier. The English king discovered the escapade and incarcerated his wife in Hampton Court. In November 1541 Catherine was accused of immoral behaviour before and during marriage. Catherine admitted her love-affairs before the marriage. Her prosecutors however also exposed proofs for her conjugal unfaithfulness. Two of her lovers stood under accusation and were beheaded in December. Catherine was also condemned to death by the parliament. The night before her execution she succeeded escaping from the dungeon. Hunted by the royal guards she ran through the gallery up to Henry’s room. In fear of death she pounded at her husband’s door and begged for mercy. The king however showed no mercy - Catherine Howard was beheaded in the Tower of London in the same night on 13 February 1542. Catherine’s head fell by hatchet. This was an utter meanness because even her cousin Anne was executed in a more distinguished way, by sword.
They say that since that day in February 1542 the spirit of Catherine Howard has often returned to that place. Innumerable people say they have seen the ghost in the gallery in front of Henry’s room during the last five hundred years.
Candice and Ritchie took this story as an occasion to write this song.

Catherine Howards fate

Oh, to my dearest ruler and lord
Merciful husband
Noblest of kings...

Your heart of gold has long since tarnished
In my chambers
What will the morning bring?
What it my heart that doth betray me
Cause I loved more than one man?
Is it true your wear a wounded spirit?
Pray let me mend it and make our love anew...

Allow me to be your humble servant
Once again, as before...

Are you like the others, so quick to judge
And for this the queen must fall
What is my heart that doth betray me
Cause I loved more than one man?
Truth within the writings of a letter

Signed and sealed poor Catherine Howard's fate...
Truth within the writings of a letter
Signed and sealed poor Catherine Howard's fate...