Thomas Culpeper and Francis Dereham were two men implicated in affairs with Catherine Howard, who was the fifth queen consort of King Henry VIII of England. Catherine was a cousin of Anne Boleyn and married to Henry in 1540 when she was just a teenager. Culpeper, a gentleman of the privy chamber, had developed a romantic relationship with Catherine, while Dereham, who had previously been her secretary, also claimed intimacy with the young queen. Their liaisons became widely discussed and eventually reported back to the throne, posing a significant scandal due to Catherine's position as the queen.

The court came to session to address the accusations against Culpeper and Dereham. They were charged with treason, which was a severe offense, especially given the implications of undermining the reigning monarch through infidelity with his wife. In a swift display of justice, both men were found guilty and sentenced to execution. The public execution took place at Tyburn, London, where they were beheaded. Catherine Howard herself would later face execution for her part in these affairs, emphasizing the precarious nature of power and reputation within the Tudor court.

This incident showcases not only the personal dramas of Tudor life but also the political complexities of the period. The swift and harsh consequences of infidelity highlight the importance of loyalty and virtue expected from those in the royal court. Culpeper and Dereham's executions were a stark warning to others and continued the legacy of Henry VIII's ruthless approach to perceived treachery within his circle.