Henry VIII and His Six Wives Howard, Duke of Norfolk. Henry and Catherine marry, with Henry lavishing her with many gifts and jewels. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer then discovers that Catherine has had liaisons before her marriage, and presents this knowledge to Henry, who at first refuses to believe the charges. Cranmer secures a confession from Catherine, who also admits of an affair with Thomas Culpeper during her marriage to Henry. Catherine is beheaded. Henry, now elderly, approaches Catherine Parr, a widow from two previous marriages. Catherine is at first reluctant, citing her religious views which differ from Henry's, but Henry admits his need for companionship in
The Merry Wives of Windsor his players, which could account for the tradition. Support for the Garter theory is divided. If it is correct, it would probably mean that Shakespeare wrote "The Merry Wives of Windsor" between "Henry IV, Part 1" and "Part 2". Critics have trouble believing this for several reasons. One is that Pistol and Shallow are introduced as new characters in "Henry IV, Part 2", but in "The Merry Wives" their connection to Falstaff is taken for granted. Also, there are no references to any of the major events from Falstaff's 15th-century exploits from the history plays, such as the rebellion ("Henry