The date is August 1541.

Katherine and King Henry VIII have arrived at Pontefract Castle on their progress of the North.

Katherine is interrupted by a cleaner in her royal apartments but soon finds a use for her.

It's true that Katherine was carrying on with her lover while they were staying in Pontefract. The story about the servant that had to bow 100 times is true. She did rely on servants to help her in her affairs from a young age. The story about Henry Manox was true as is the story about Francis Dereham.

Thomas Culpepper was indeed part of Henry's Privy Chamber and he did wear a velvet cap that Katherine gave him. The story of when she gave it to him is true. Lady Roachford did help Katherine in her trysts and arranged meetings in the lavatory while she dozed in the corner. Lovely.

The story about Mistress Morton and Mistress Lufkin are true. The wording of the note she is asked to take to Culpepper is real.

If you want to find out more about Katherine, check out the sources and places below:

Katherine Howard: The Tragic Story of Henry VIII's Fifth Queen - Josephine Wilkinson

Katherine Howard: Henry VIII's Slandered Queen - Conor Byrne

Young and Damned and Fair: The Life and Tragedy of Catherine Howard at the Court of Henry VIII - Gareth Russell

Pontefract Castle