Catherine Parr

Catherine Parr, born in 1512, holds a significant place in history as the last of King Henry VIII's six wives. Their marriage, which began on 12 July 1543, made her Queen of England and Ireland until Henry's death on 28 January 1547. As the final queen consort of the House of Tudor, she outlived Henry by a year and eight months, and with four husbands, she remains the most-married queen in English history.

Notably, Catherine was the first woman in England to publish an original work in print under her own name in the English language. Her literary contributions began with the anonymous publication of 'Psalms or Prayers' on 25 April 1544, followed by 'Prayers or Meditations' on 2 June 1545, which marked a significant milestone as the first original book published by an English queen under her own name. After Henry's death, she published 'The Lamentation of a Sinner' on 5 November 1547.

Catherine enjoyed a close relationship with Henry's children—Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward—and played an active role in their education. She was instrumental in the passing of the Third Succession Act in 1543, which restored Mary and Elizabeth to the line of succession. Appointed regent during Henry's military campaign in France from July to September 1544, she was prepared to rule until Edward came of age, although her role in government was not recognized in Henry's will.

Her Protestant sympathies, however, led to tensions with anti-Protestant officials, resulting in a warrant for her arrest in the spring of 1546. Fortunately, she reconciled with the king shortly thereafter. After Henry's passing, Catherine retained her queenly jewels and dresses and took on the role of guardian to her stepdaughter Elizabeth, as well as welcoming Lady Jane Grey into her household. Six months later, she married her fourth husband, Thomas Seymour, 1st Baron Seymour of Sudeley, but this union was tragically short-lived as she died on 5 September 1548 due to complications from childbirth. Her funeral on 7 September 1548 was notable for being the first Protestant funeral in England, Scotland, or Ireland conducted in English.