Francis Dereham facts for kids
Francis Dereham (born around 1506 to 1509 – died December 10, 1541) was a person who worked at the royal court during the Tudor period. He is known for his connection to Catherine Howard, who later became the fifth wife of King Henry VIII. Their past relationship, which happened before Catherine married the King, was later discovered. This discovery led to Dereham's arrest and eventually his execution.
Early life
Francis Dereham was born between 1506 and 1509. His father was Thomas Dereham from Crimplesham in Norfolk. His mother was Isabel. Her parents were John Paynell and Elizabeth Tylney.
Relationship with Catherine Howard
Francis Dereham is most known for his relationship with Catherine Howard. This happened when she was about 15 years old. This was before she became the wife of King Henry VIII of England. Their relationship began in late 1538.
During this time, both Catherine and Francis lived in the home of Agnes Howard. She was the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. Their home was called Norfolk House in Lambeth. Francis Dereham's grandmother, Elizabeth Tylney, was an aunt to both of Thomas Howard's wives. This made Francis and Catherine distant cousins.
Dereham's relationship with Catherine ended when her music teacher, Henry Mannox, sent a secret letter. This letter went to the Dowager Duchess. After this, Dereham was sent away. Catherine was also told off for her "banqueting by night." The Duchess worried it would "hurt her beauty."
Dereham was made to go live in Ireland. Some people believe he became a pirate there. Before he left, he asked Catherine to look after £100. This was most of his savings. Catherine later said he told her if he did not return, she could keep the money.
In late 1539, Catherine became a lady-in-waiting to the King's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. Later, Dereham was given a job as a secretary at Hampton Court. The Dowager Duchess might have helped him get this job. This could have been to keep him quiet about Catherine's past.
On August 27, 1541, Dereham met Catherine at Pontefract Castle. He was looking for work. Queen Catherine made him her Private Secretary. Then he became a Gentleman Usher of the Queen's Chamber. Dereham said that if the King died, he would marry Catherine. This made some people at court worried.
Their past relationship was told to Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. A person who worked in the Dowager Duchess's home, Mary Lassells, shared the information. Cranmer then told the King in a letter. This led to an investigation. Many people were arrested. These included the Dowager Duchess, her son William Howard, 1st Lord Howard of Effingham, Thomas Dereham (Francis's brother), Thomas Culpeper, Queen Catherine herself, and Lady Rochford.
During questioning, Dereham admitted to having a relationship with Catherine before she married the King. But he said they were not together after she became Queen. He also said that Thomas Culpeper had taken his place in Catherine's affections.
There were also rumors of a pre-contract of marriage between Dereham and Catherine. A pre-contract was like a promise to marry. If it was true, Catherine's marriage to the King would not have been legal. However, there was no proof to support this idea.
Execution
On November 4, 1541, Catherine was taken to Syon. She was held there. On November 22, it was announced that Catherine "had lost her honor." She would no longer be called Queen. She would only be called Catherine Howard.
On December 1, 1541, Thomas Culpeper and Francis Dereham were charged with treason. Both were sentenced to a traitor's death. They asked King Henry VIII to change their punishment to beheading. Only Culpeper's request was granted.
On December 10, 1541, Dereham was executed at Tyburn. Culpeper was also executed at Tyburn. But because the King had liked him before, his sentence was changed to beheading.
Catherine and Lady Rochford were executed at the Tower of London on February 13, 1542. The Dowager Duchess and Thomas Dereham were later set free.
