The evening before her execution, Queen Katherine Howard requested that the block should be brought to her at her lodgings in the Tower. She was held at what is now called The Queen's House, and was aged somewhere between 17 and 21 depending on which histories you read.
And in the hallway of the house, she and her retinue practiced the ceremony. Why? Some accounts say she didn't want to look foolish. Others say she wanted to approach the block gracefully.
One could also assume that familiarity might lessen the fear.
But, standing in that hallway yesterday, even though it's been given new door and windows in Georgian renovations...it was a poignant moment.
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1 comment:
Urgh, that is truly chilling. So young to have so much grace. Sounds like you ahve been having quite a London visit!
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