Joan Bulmer facts for kids
Joan Bulmer (born Joan Acworth, 1519–December 1590) was an English gentlewoman who worked in the royal court. She lived during the time of King Henry VIII and was connected to his fifth wife, Queen Catherine Howard.
Contents
Who Was Joan Bulmer?
Joan Bulmer was born Joan Acworth in 1519. Her parents were George Acworth and Margaret Wilberforce. When she was young, Joan married William Bulmer. Their marriage did not last long.
Early Life and Connections
After her first marriage ended, Joan went to work for Agnes Tilney, who was the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. A "dowager duchess" is the widow of a duke. While working for the Duchess, Joan met Catherine Howard. Catherine later became the fifth wife of King Henry VIII.
Life at Court
When Catherine Howard married King Henry VIII, Joan asked Catherine for a job in her royal household. Because they had known each other before, Catherine offered Joan a position. Joan then worked closely with Queen Catherine.
Later, when Queen Catherine faced difficulties, Joan was asked to share what she knew about Catherine's early life.
Later Years
After the events involving Queen Catherine, Joan was released. She then married Edward Waldegrave. They lived together at a place called Lawford Hall in Essex, England. Joan Bulmer passed away in December 1590.
Joan in Pop Culture
Joan Bulmer's story has been shown on television. She is played by Catherine Steadman in the fourth season of the TV show The Tudors.
