ON THIS DAY - 05 September 1548

On This Day (05 Sep) in 1548, Katherine Parr died at Sudeley Castle, a week after giving birth to her only daughter Mary.

Portrait of Katherine Parr, Queen of England and Ireland 'Master John', c.1545 © Private Collection [📷 Taken by myself, Jun 2024 at National Portrait Gallery, London]

The pregnancy had been a difficult one for Katherine, being an older first-time mother, as well as the recent scandal involving her husband Thomas Seymour and step-daughter Lady Elizabeth. Katherine developed puerperal fever soon after the birth, presenting as agitated and paranoid towards her husband, before succumbing to the infection. Katherine was buried at St Mary's Church, Sudeley on 07 Sep 1548, in what was believed to be the first funeral of a royal performed in English, and reflecting her religious Reformist beliefs. Thomas Seymour's ward, Lady Jane Grey, was the chief mourner.

© Sudeley Castle & Gardens

Over the years Katherine's coffin was opened many times, which significantly damaged her bones. In 1863, on the restoration of the chapel, a marble tomb effigy was erected, and Katherine's coffin was finally reburied. Following the death of Katherine, Thomas Seymour sent Mary away from Sudeley; she was initially taken into the care of his family, including his brother Edward Seymour, Lord Protector at Syon House, before being moved to Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire, under the guardianship of Katherine's old friend, Katherine Willoughby, Dowager Duchess of Suffolk. Mary disappeared from records in 1550, presumed deceased.