THE WIVES OF HENRY VIII

Overview

Katharine Parr has long been cast as the queen who nursed an ailing Henry VIII
through his final years; a “sophisticated bluestocking”, or mature wife and
confidante, who cleaned the sores and changed the bandages on Henry’s ulcered legs, and read to him before bed – a maternal, soothing presence. It sounds like a dull story indeed, complete with history’s epithet for Katharine - that of “survivor”, suggesting that her sole achievement was to outlive Henry.

Yet bright, vivacious, and attractive, Katharine was also an influential queen, with a love of finery, dancing and music. She also actively engaged in and promoted religious reform, and was the first English woman to write and publish her own works under her own name. A dedicated stepmother, she also irrevocably shaped the lives  of her royal stepchildren, and in turn, the country as whole. 

In this final lecture, join Dr Lauren Mackay to venture beyond the traditional views of Henry VIII’s sixth and final queen, and discover how - beneath her royal mantle of dutiful wife - Katharine’s life was rich with passion and scandal.