Mary Lassells facts for kids

Mary Hall, whose original name was Mary Lassells, was an English gentlewoman. She played a part in a big event during the time of King Henry VIII. Her report about the past actions of Catherine Howard, who became King Henry's fifth wife, led to Queen Catherine's sad end.

Mary Hall's Early Life and Role

Mary Lassells was the daughter of Richard Lassells. Her family lived in Gateford, Nottinghamshire. When she was young, Mary lived in the home of the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. This was in a place called Lambeth.

At the same time, Catherine Howard also lived there. Catherine was a young girl under the care of the Duchess, who was her step-grandmother. Later, Catherine became the fifth wife of King Henry VIII.

The Report to the King

After Catherine became Queen, Mary's brother, John Lassells, suggested Mary work for the Queen. But Mary refused this offer. She said she wouldn't because of Catherine's past behavior.

John Lassells then told Archbishop Thomas Cranmer about Mary's comments. This happened in the fall of 1541. At that time, King Henry and Queen Catherine were traveling.

On November 1, 1541, Archbishop Cranmer wrote a letter to the King. In this letter, he shared the information about Queen Catherine's past. The King immediately ordered that Queen Catherine stay in her rooms. He never saw her again after that day.

Consequences for Others

After this, many people from the Dowager Duchess's household were questioned. These included people like Dereham and Manox.

On December 22, 1541, the Dowager Duchess's oldest son, William Howard, and his wife were charged. Many servants who knew about the Queen's past actions were also charged. They were accused of hiding information about the Queen's behavior. This was seen as a serious offense against the King.

Most of these people were sentenced to prison and lost their belongings. However, many were later set free after Queen Catherine's punishment.

The Dowager Duchess was also included in the charges. But she was not brought to trial because she was very old. She was also sentenced to prison and lost her lands and goods.

On February 6, 1542, a special law was passed against Queen Catherine and Lady Rochford. On February 13, 1542, Queen Catherine and Lady Rochford were punished at Tower Green.

The King believed the Dowager Duchess should also be punished severely. But his advisors asked for her to be treated more kindly. She was eventually released from the Tower on May 5, 1542.

Mary Lassells later married a man named Mr. Hall from Lambeth.

Appearances in Media

In Literature

• "The Rose Without a Thorn" by Jean Plaidy
• "Murder Most Royal" by Jean Plaidy

In Film

• Henry VIII (TV serial); Mary Hall was played by Catrin Rhys