Yeah Henry really loved Catherine Howard and it was her marital affairs that sent him over the edge. It was thought he was impotent as his health wasn’t good at that time, and he wasn’t happy that she’d gone elsewhere…! 🫣 And at least one of those was Thomas Culpepper, who was older and more likely raping or at least pressuring her for sexual “favours” than not, as he had been accused of rape in the past.

She was sooo young. Had been sexually assaulted (supposedly) at the age of 12 and then other sexual encounters by 14 and it’s likely they were not necessarily with consent. She was only about 18 when Henry had her killed. Just a girl.

Mary was accused of plotting to kill Elizabeth but it’s unclear if she was really in on it. Couldn’t blame her if she knew E was gunning for her, too! E didn’t really want to do it, but not for entirely reasons you’d expect.

Such a bizarre way to live. All of those people back then. Trying not to be executed, including by your own family, and all for the sake of power!! So much murder over centuries. So hard to believe.