Beware of the Wives in This September’s New Broadway Musical

Hampton Court Palace is over 500 years old and housed Henry VIII’s wives. Several staff members and the public have “seen, felt and heard an uncanny presence,” believing that at least two of Henry VIII’s wives never left Hampton Court Palace. [i]

Henry VIII’s wives, Jane Seymour and Catherine Howard are the two wives said to haunt the Hampton Palace. Jane Seymour was Henry VIII’s third wife who died after childbirth in 1537. Henry VIII’s fifth wife, Catherine, was ceremoniously executed for adultery in 1542. [ii]

Jane Seymour, the third wife to Henry VIII, died after birthing a long-awaited son, Prince Edward. Henry VIII was devastated by the loss of Jane. Those who have sighted her describe her saying,

A pale figure is reported to appear on the Silverstick Stairs, which once led up to a room in which Jane gave birth, and died, on the anniversary of Edward’s birth in October 1537.”

Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife, was the opposite of Jane Seymour. At age 19, she was beheaded at the Tower in 1542 due to adultery and treason charges. The stories describe Catherine as terrified. She allegedly broke away from the guards and began running away, screaming to the king for mercy. The king never heard her screams, but they are said to still be heard as she continues the heartbreaking journey of running and screaming out for Henry VIII. [iii]

Several individuals have remarked on their encounters at the Hampton Palace. One commenter alleges that they worked there previously.

Over the years, others have agreed, sharing their own encounters of a sensation of being touched and more.

Tickets for Henry VIII The Musical can be purchased via https://www.henryviiithemusical.com.

References

[i] Historic Royal Palaces, The ghosts of Hampton Court Palace, (Oct. 30, 2009)

[ii] Historic Royal Palaces, Historic Hauntings at Hampton Court Palace, (2022)

[iii] Id.