Warwick Castle and Tussauds

Check this out! Apparently Warwick Castle (see John Dudley, Earl of Warwick and his royal meddlings regarding Lady Jane Grey) was owned for several years (recently) by Tussauds, who did a heap of renovations and added their famous wax figures.

Why do I even know about this? A friend from college (the lovely and talented Chris B.*) recently posted pics from her trip to England and couldn't resist sharing this beautiful photo:

Want to see more? Here, another visitor (who may be almost as lovely and talented as Chris), has posted her pics on Flickr of the figures depicting Henry and his wives. Henry and wives in wax.

Isn't this fascinating? (Mental note: Visit Warwick Castle when in England.)

Seeing all of these waxen ladies together in one room, I can't imagine they would have sat there in such a docile manner. Aragon would be trying to kill Boleyn, Parr would be bossing everyone around and telling them to mind their manners, Cleves would have stood on the sidelines wondering what was going on, Howard would maybe have helped Aragon just because it looked like fun, Seymour would have stood there disapproving of it all and Henry would be wondering what the hell he got himself into!

*Chris B's last name omitted to protect her from pre-renaissance-obsessed stalkers.

As if you had to ask....

Katharine Parr is the true queen! And I'm finding myself attracted to playing her for many of the same reasons King Henry was attracted to her as a wife.

Motto: "To be useful in all I do."

 Katharine Parr, Lady Latimer, was reported to be a doting stepmother and devoted scholar, but she was also a woman as dedicated to finery and amusements as any of Henry's previous wives. And though twice-widowed, she was still twenty years younger than the king. King Henry's first gifts to her arrived even at least 2 weeks before her ill husband, Lord Latimer, passed away. She was tall, vivacious and witty, with a kindly and sensible nature (to all of these, I can relate!). She became increasingly interested in the theological debates of the court, but she also enjoyed its less intellectual pleasures - dancing, music, banquets, grand costumes. When she became queen, this love of clothes and jewels would be indulged on the grandest scale. The king enjoyed her dancing and they both loved music. Though occasionally impotent, the king did consummate their marriage and Katharine was fond of ordering black satin nightdresses. She would often sit with the king's sore leg in her lap, or in his lap herself. Now THAT is a sign of great character!

She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Parr of Kendal and Maud Greene (they were courtiers during the early years of Henry VIII's reign. Thomas was knighted at the king's coronation in 1509 and Maud was a lady-in-waiting to his first queen, Katharine of Aragon.)Katharine was the eldest of three children, born probably in 1512.

Now here's where is gets really amazing. When the king left for France on yet another expensive military campaign in July 1544, Katharine - his 'most dearly and most entirely beloved wife' - was made Regent of England. The only other wife accorded this honor had been Henry's first, Katharine of Aragon. Henry returned in October to find his affairs in good order. And..... it was Katharine Parr who encouraged Elizabeth I's education, thus creating the most learned monarch in English history. She also made John Cheke and Roger Ascham tutors to young Prince Edward; the influence of these Cambridge 'reformers' upon both Elizabeth and Edward was profound.

True, she didn't bear Henry a son (or any child for that matter). But it's hard to argue that she made a darn fine queen for Henry. No worry about infidelity, served the King before her own heart's desires, and a good, pious Protestant who enjoyed dancing and black satin. Parr is the true and best, in my eyes. Come see the show and see for yourself!

Cheers,
Denita (playing Katharine Parr)