Thomas Culpepper was the handsome, sexual, yet cruel and arrogant groom of Henry Tudor VIII, as well as the lover of Katheryn Howard
. Born in 1514, he was executed in 1541 on the king's orders; due to the discovery of his affair with Katheryn.
It was unknown if Thomas ever had any real affection for Katheryn. or simply lusted after her - either way; when the affair was discovered, he insisted that; Katheryn had come onto him; when it had been the other way round in reality.
In the series, Thomas Culpepper was portrayed by the Canadian actor, Torrance Coombs.
Season Four[]
Thomas Culpepper was first introduced in Season 4 as the king's groom (right-hand man) young, strong, handsome and seductive, he made no secret of how he was consumed with sexual lust for the young, beautiful, vivacious, and sensual queen Katheryn Howard. In fact, his lust was such that, shortly after she became queen, he and his friends went riding to find a rape victim for him. They came across the park keeper's wife and raped her outside her own home. When the park keeper attempted to take Culpepper to the sheriff, the latter murdered him to keep his secret.
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Thomas Culpepper watches queen Catherine Howard.
Lady Jane Rochford; who was also attracted to Thomas and eventually slept; with him several times, noticed his lust and aware of Katheryn's long sexual history, offered to arrange an affair between them. Ultimately, as Henry's aging and infirmities prohibit him from indulging in sensual pleasures; with Katheryn, at least for short times, she and Thomas started an intense, passionate sexual affair.
Culpepper is annoyed at the appearance of her ex-lover, Francis Dereham and tells her he will not resume their affair; until she gets rid of the man; meanwhile, Jane Rochford continues to manipulate both Culpepper and Katheryn, jealous of the queen.
Catherine continues to cheat on the king while he dotes on and spoils her as usual. But eventually Katheryn is put under house arrest; when her past history; with Derham is investigated; she escapes and tries to see Henry and Thomas; but both give her a cold stare and turn away as she is forcibly removed from the court.
Culpepper's already-precarious position is undone; when Dereham, under torture, admits that; he had learned Culpepper was the queen's new lover. Culpepper has some noble blood and cannot be tortured; but he is interrogated in the Tower of London; by the vicious Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford. Culpepper denies having comitted adultery; but admits he wanted to fornicate; with Katheryn; when Edward Seymour tells him that; mere thoughts like that; are treason, he tries to reverse his statement; by saying Katheryn came; onto him, at Lady Rochford's encouragement; instead of the other way around. Katheryn is questioned and responds the same way, denying adultery; but blaming Culpepper and lady Rochford for her flirtations; lady Rochford on being interrogated, claims that; she was forced to and confirms that; Katheryn and Culpepper almost certainly had sex. A love letter to Culpepper from the queen is found in his chambers; proving the affair beyond all doubt.
Culpepper and Dereham both stand trial, and are found guilty while Katheryn remains secluded in a cathedral. They are sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn, though Henry, oddl, commutes Culpepper's sentence to beheading. Culpepper and Dereham are bound; with chains, are dragged through the streets of Tyburn (Dereham already weakened; by torture) as the citizens hurl rotten vegetables and insults at them. Culpepper is killed first; his final words are "i beg you all to pray for me" and he is quickly decapitated. Moments later, Dereham endures his own, much more agonizing execution.
Culpepper at his execution.
Personality[]
Culpepper was a vain, lustful and violent young man. He believed his noble blood and prestigious position entitled him to abuse or even murder those of lower social standing. He was willing to betray anyone, even the queen he claimed to love, to save his own skin. Culpepper died a criminal, fittingly for such a violent and despicable man.
Backstory[]
Thomas Culpepper found his way to court under patronage of Arthur, Viscount Lisle, the Lord Deputy of the English settlement at Calais around about the year 1535 during the time Anne Boleyn was Queen Consort. However, he only came to prominence in 1537. Culpepper quickly advanced in the King's affections. He was somehow distantly related to the Howard family. He became one of Henry's great favourites and one of the King's most trusted attendants. He was part of the group of privileged dignitaries who greeted Henry's German bride Anne of Cleves.
Culpepper was a very aggressive person in seeking a relationship with new queen Katheryn Howard. The two were in fact meeting secretly in 1541, including during the Northern progress. Culpepper tried saving himself by saying that he only met with Katheryn because she was dying of love for him and would not let him end the relationship. Katheryn told interrogators otherwise and said Culpepper ceaselessly begged for a meeting and she was too fearful to refuse. The Queen later confessed to meeting Culpepper, but what transpired when the meetings occured is debated by historians. There isn't conclusive proof that the two had sexual relations, but the secrecy that surrounded their meetings and the intent to decieve the King was more than enough to warrant a charge of treason. On 1 December, Culpepper was convicted for treason and beheaded at Tyburn on 10 December.
Gentility: Of noble family, connected to the Howards
Position: Page, a gentleman of the Privy Chamber in 1537, keeper of the King's armour in 1538, and keeper of the royal manor of Penshurst Place, Kent, the following year, 1539.