Catherine Parr (c. 1512 – 5 September 1548), also known as Katherine or Katharine Parr(e)

Catherine Parr was the last of King Henry VIII wives. It is believed she was more a nurse than a wife, in his old and sick state, although this has been challenged by historian David Starkey in his book Six Wives. Either way it is almost certain Henry did not make much of a husband.

Catherine had been twice widowed, and, though childless, loved children, and was the one wife who truly embraced Henry's children and tried to normalize relations between them and the king. She was very intelligent, and taught herself Latin as an adult. She was the only queen who was able to save herself when she did something to greatly offend the king.

After Henry's death she married Thomas Seymour, the younger of Jane's brothers, and Lord Admiral. She died after delivering the only child she ever had, Mary Seymour. The last mention of Mary Seymour on record is on her second birthday, and although stories circulated that she eventually married and had children, most historians today believe she died as a child.

A recent news item on an auction that included a lock of Catherine Parr's hair.

Wiki entry on Catherine Parr

Sudeley Castle - One time home, and burial place of Catherine Parr