The Gray Lady of Hampton Court


 “Two names sprang instantly to mind when I saw the image,” said Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces. “Catherine Howard, our celebrated ghost Queen and fifth wife of Henry VIII, and Sybil Penn, a royal nurse who is believed to be the ghostly spinner. Both are traditionally seen as The Grey Lady.”


Built in 1525, Hampton Court Palace has harbored kings, queens, and many other members of English royalty. Henry VIII’s third wife, Jane Seymor, died at Hampton Court while giving birth to the couple’s only son. Catherine Howard was imprisoned at the palace before being executed for adultery. Penn died of smallpox at Hampton Court.

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