I owe a debt of gratitude to Debbie Fenton for writing this post and for sharing some beautiful pictures of the new Queen Katherine Parr exhibition at Sudeley Castle. The exhibition is part of a series of exciting events planned to celebrate Katherine’s life and mark the five hundred years since her birth.
I must say that Sudeley is one of the most atmospheric and beautiful places I have ever visited and you’ll notice that it is the Chapel of St. Mary at Sudeley that features prominently on my website’s header.
Thank you Debbie!
The Queen Katherine Parr Quincentenary
This year Sudeley Castle is celebrating the life of Queen Kateryn Parr with a series of special events and exhibitions to mark the 500 years since the birth of this remarkable woman.
Katherine Parr is best known for being Henry VIII’s surviving queen, but through the exhibitions on show we find out more about the life and loves of Katherine and her time at Sudeley. I was surprised to learn that KP stood 6 feet tall, almost unheard of in Tudor times. It is no wonder she caught Henry’s eye at court – towering above the other ladies. Katherine was also a published author and you can view original copies of her work on display for the first time. In KP’s book of lamentations you can see she has signed her name, Kateryn the Queen KP.
Katherine Parr's Book of Lamentations © Debbie Fenton
Also on display are love letters written to Thomas Seymour and items taken from her tomb when it was opened in 1782 which include a lock of auburn hair and a tooth! (In very good condition I might add) The exhibition ends with a short film by Dr David Starkey where we learn more about Katherine and her time at Sudeley and why she felt compelled to marry Henry when she was in love with Thomas Seymour.
Katherine Parr's Closet Window © Debbie Fenton
The next part of the KP trail takes you to the South Hall and Katherine’s private rooms, which are open to the public for the first time in five years. If like me you like to soak up the atmosphere of an historic place and imagine the conversations that have taken place within the walls, then you will enjoy this experience the most. You ascend a staircase to the only remaining rooms from the original castle that KP lived in. (No photography sadly as my partner found out when he took a snap then was fiercely reprimanded by the guide!). There is a beautiful closet with a stained glass window that allows light to flood in, giving the room a very happy feel. The idyllic views across the garden as Katherine would have seen them, lead on to her private chapel in the church of St Mary. In the window stands a mannequin of Lady Ann Herbert, KP’s sister who was her groom of the stool, who according to the display, assisted KP with the very important job of wiping her bottom!
Katherine Parr's private door © Debbie Fenton
As you descend the staircase you are invited to exit the castle through the very door that KP would have used to make the short walk to her private chapel to carry out her daily devotions. An added moment of excitement ensues when you are told that the door has remained until now unopened since Tudor times. Now you can make your way to the church for the most poignant part of the trail.
Inside the church of St Mary’s, alongside KP’s tomb, you will see a peaceful Katherine lying in state surrounded by candles. She is being watched over by her young chief mourner, Lady Jane Grey. I found this moment quite haunting and a fitting end to the trail.
Katherine Parr lying in state © Debbie Fenton
There are more special events planned for this year, including talks with Dr David Starkey and Alison Weir, and also a re-enactment of Queen Katherine’s funeral.
The exhibitions are on a small scale, but I found them to be intimate, atmospheric and engaging. I left feeling closer to Katherine, and I will certainly now give her as much thought as I do all my other favourite Tudor people.
By Debbie Fenton
