Playing the long game
Katherine was, by most accounts, vivacious, attractive and a scholar. She was also 30 years old, a mature contrast to Catherine Howard, and a more sensible choice for an ailing King in need of a nurse as much as a wife.
5-28 August - There will be reduced train service between London Waterloo and Hampton Court. Find out more
A sensible woman and a loving stepmother?
Katherine Parr and Henry VIII met when she secured a position in Princess Mary's household in late 1542. By 1543, Katherine had already been married (and widowed) twice but was in love with Thomas Seymour. She gave him up to marry the King. This was as much a sign of her pious adherence to what she saw as God’s will as – perhaps – a practical acceptance that Henry wouldn’t last forever. Katherine married Henry on 12 July 1543 at Hampton Court Palace.
A keen patron of the arts, Katherine was the first English queen to write and publish her own books.
Katherine was, by most accounts, vivacious, attractive and a scholar. She was also 30 years old, a mature contrast to Catherine Howard, and a more sensible choice for an ailing King in need of a nurse as much as a wife.
Katherine was a loving stepmother to Henry's three children and bought unity to the family. Princess Elizabeth was particularly fond of her stepmother. Katherine took custody of the 14- year-old Elizabeth after Henry's death. Her influential example of female leadership was to shape the young Princess Elizabeth’s own ideas as queen.
The Queen was a vigorous supporter of the English Reformation. She sometimes pushed her evangelical views too far with Henry when discussing religion. Katherine's religious opponents plotted against her and tried to persuade the King that she could be dangerous. Plans were drawn up for her arrest. Katherine was warned of the danger she faced and had the sense to throw herself on Henry’s mercy and plead for forgiveness. Henry was completely disarmed, and forgave her.
Katherine remained loyal and devoted to Henry throughout their five years of marriage until his death in 1547. She was then free to marry her sweetheart Thomas Seymour a few months later. Soon she was delighted to be pregnant. Tragically she contracted puerperal fever soon after being delivered of a healthy daughter, and died on 5 September 1548.
Marvel at the magnificent vaulted ceiling and attend a service in The Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace. The church has been in use for nearly 500 years.
Open daily
A room with a noble tradition of royal and political entertainment, the Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace is a vast and splendid historic structure.
Open daily
Daily
Shh! You are invited on a special mission...download the app and explore the stories at Hampton Court Palace.
Open daily
Perfect for a history lover, this Tudor rose cushion symbolises the joining of two rival houses, York and Lancaster.
£40.00
Full of Tudor family facts, the royal family who changed the course of British history.
£8.99
Henry VIII bear, named after Hampton Court Palace's notorious resident King Henry VIII, in a traditional Tudor costume. Suitable for little princes and princesses aged three years and above. Measures 28cm.
£14.99