Katherine Parr: A Royal Legacy

Step back in time this September and walk in the footsteps of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII and the only English queen laid to rest on private grounds.Over the course of this special week, Sudeley Castle invites you to explore the life and legacy of a woman who was not only a queen, but a scholar, devoted stepmother, and outspoken supporter of the English Reformation.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable week at Sudeley Castle, where history, resilience, love, and survival intertwine to celebrate one of England’s most fascinating queens.At the heart of the experience is the Chapel of St Mary, nestled within Sudeley’s gardens and the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr.Throughout the week, pay homage at her tomb within this intimate space.

Katherine’s beautifully carved stone effigy, created in her likeness, rests above the tomb offering a lasting tribute to England’s last Tudor queen and her connection to Sudeley.As you explore the castle and grounds, history is brought to life on selected days through costumed historical re-enactors, with appearances from Katherine Parr, her Tudor ladies, and Thomas Seymour.

These encounters offer insight into courtly life, personal alliances, and the precarious world of the Tudor court.Discover artefacts linked to Katherine’s life, including, handwritten letters, personal items and a prayer book associated with her faith and scholarship, offering a tangible connection to her remarkable story.