Life, Loves & Legacy
Join us for a week-long celebration the extraordinary life of Katherine Parr.
Clues to life, loves and legacy of this remarkable queen can be found amid the castle gardens, within the exhibition spaces and Chapel where she is laid to rest.
More information to follow.
Stateswoman & Step-mother
Katherine Parr was a woman of grace and diplomacy and a pioneer of female leadership. While Henry VIII waged war in France, Katherine served as Regent-General taking an active role in decision making. She also helped reconcile Henry with his two daughters, Mary (the future Mary I) and Elizabeth (the future Elizabeth I) who would go on to model her Queenship on Katherine.
Bringing History to Life
Encounter Tudor reenactors in splendid gowns throughout Katherine Parr week.
Forgotten Burial Site
Katherine was laid to rest in the chapel at Sudeley but after the castle fell into ruin during the English Civil War, her burial site was forgotten for more than 200 years.
Reburial befitting a Queen
When the castle & chapel were restored, Katherine's remains were reinterred in a new tomb within the chapel.
George Gilbert Scott Scott designed a magnificent canopied tomb with an effigy of the queen, made of white marble, and carved by John Birnie Philip.
Anniversary Respects
Thanks to these efforts, Katherine Parr is the only wife of Henry VIII's with an effigy of her likeness.
Visit the chapel to pay your respects during her special anniversary week.
Explore more
There is always something going on at Sudeley…