Catherine Howard was the fifth wife of King Henry VIII and one of the most intriguing figures in Tudor history. As a young woman, her life was filled with scandal, intrigue, and ultimately tragedy. Teaching students about Catherine Howard can help them gain a better understanding of 16th-century England and its complicated social dynamics. Here are some helpful strategies for introducing Catherine Howard into your classroom curriculum.
1. Background Information
Begin with an overview of Catherine Howard’s life to establish the context for her role in Tudor history. Discuss her birth, family background, and early years at court. Explain how she came to marry King Henry VIII in 1540 after his divorce from Anne of Cleves. Briefly touch upon their short marriage and her eventual execution in 1542.
2. Scandal and Intrigue
Students will likely be fascinated by the scandal that surrounded Catherine’s life. Focus on her previous relationships before marrying Henry VIII, including her affair with Francis Dereham and Thomas Culpeper. Explain how these relationships continued even after her marriage to the king, leading to accusations of adultery and treason.
3. The Downfall of Catherine Howard
Discuss how Catherine’s relationships eventually led to her downfall, with members of the court working against her to expose her past indiscretions. Present the trial that followed, which led to the execution of Dereham and Culpeper, as well as Catherine’s own arrest and execution.
4. Women’s Roles in Tudor Society
Use Catherine Howard as a starting point for a broader conversation about women’s roles in Tudor society. Discuss the expectations placed upon women in this period – particularly those in high social positions – as well as common views on marriage, love, and power dynamics within relationships.
5. Evaluating Historical Sources
Catherine Howard’s story offers an excellent opportunity to address the importance of evaluating historical sources. Discuss the available primary and secondary sources that relate to her life, including accounts from contemporaries like Ambassador Chapuys or historian Edward Hall. Debate the reliability of these sources and encourage students to consider what might be missing or biased in their perspectives.
6. Active Learning Activities
Incorporate active learning activities to engage your students in Catherine Howard’s story. These might include a mock trial, a role-playing simulation of court life, or creative writing assignments inspired by Catherine’s perspective.
Conclusion
Teaching students about Catherine Howard can help them develop valuable historical analysis skills while exploring the fascinating world of Tudor England. By highlighting the pivotal moments in her life and discussing broader themes in society at the time, you can foster engaging lessons that leave your students eager for more.
