Katharine Basset facts for kids

Katharine Basset (born around 1522 – died after 1558) was an English gentlewoman. She worked at the court of King Henry VIII. She was part of the household of Anne of Cleves, who was one of Henry VIII's wives. Katharine was even put in jail for a short time because she spoke against the King. We know about her from three letters she wrote to her mother, Honor Grenville. These letters are part of the Lisle Letters.

Early Life and Family

Katharine Basset was the second daughter of Sir John Basset and his second wife, Honor Grenville. Her father was a knight from Cornwall and Devon. Her mother later became Viscountess Lisle.

Katharine had several brothers and sisters. Her older sister, Anne Basset, also worked at court. Anne was a maid of honour to several of King Henry VIII's queens. Katharine was raised by her mother and her stepfather, Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle. He was the King's uncle and the Governor of Calais, a town in France that belonged to England at the time.

Working at the Royal Court

Katharine Basset began her life at court by serving Eleanor Manners, Countess of Rutland. The Countess was a lady-in-waiting to four of King Henry VIII's wives. Katharine worked for her as a "gentlewoman-waiter" until about 1540.

Joining Anne of Cleves' Household

After 1540, Katharine got a job in the household of Anne of Cleves. Anne was King Henry VIII's fourth wife, but their marriage lasted only a few months. Katharine hoped to become a "maid of honour," which was a special position for young women at court. Her mother tried hard to help her get this role.

In 1539, Katharine wrote to her mother, asking for help to become one of the new Queen's maids. Her stepfather, Lord Lisle, also tried to use his influence. However, he was told that all the positions for the Queen's ladies were already filled.

Eventually, Katharine was accepted into Anne of Cleves' household, even though she didn't become a maid of honour. Anne of Cleves lived at Hever Castle after her marriage to the King was ended.

Trouble for Speaking Out

Katharine's sister, Anne Basset, was rumored to be a favorite of King Henry VIII. The King gave Anne many gifts and kept her at court. This happened even after their stepfather, Viscount Lisle, was sent to the Tower of London.

Katharine herself got into trouble. She was arrested and briefly put in prison. People said she had been gossiping about the King's marriages. She supposedly said that the problems with Queen Catherine Howard (Henry VIII's fifth wife) showed that his marriage to Anne of Cleves was still valid.

In 1541, a woman named Jane Rattsey was questioned about things she said to Katharine. Jane admitted that Katharine had praised Anne of Cleves and criticized Queen Catherine Howard. This led Jane to say, "What if God is working to make Lady Anne of Cleves queen again?" and "What a man is the King! How many wives will he have?" These were dangerous things to say about the King at that time.

Attending the King's Funeral

In 1547, King Henry VIII died. Katharine Basset was still part of Anne of Cleves' household. She received special clothing for the King's funeral, showing she was still connected to the royal court. Her sister Anne Basset also received clothing as a servant of the King.

Marriage and Family Life

On December 8, 1547, Katharine Basset married Sir Henry Ashley. He was a Member of Parliament and was later knighted in 1553.

Katharine and Henry had one son:

• Sir Henry Ashley (born 1548). He also became a Member of Parliament and was knighted in 1603. He served Queen Elizabeth I.

Later Life

Katharine Basset was still alive in 1558. She was mentioned in the will of her brother, James Basset. It seems she died before her husband, Sir Henry Ashley, who passed away in 1588.