December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2023
1 page, ex-Lattimer collection, boldly signed at left “Kateryn the Quene KP.” At right, 6 lines of text with heading at top, “By the Quene,” and 2 lines below. This appears to be a pay warrant authorizing distribution of 40 pounds. Born in 1512, Parr came to the attention of Henry VIII in 1543 after the death of her second husband, Lord Latimer, married him that year and outlived him by 20 months, dying in 1547. She reportedly had a good relationship with Henry’s son, the future Edward VI, and played a part in Henry’s reconciliations with Mary and Elizabeth. She was literate and capable, publishing 3 religious works during her lifetime, serving as Henry’s regent for 3 months in 1544 while he campaigned in France, and threaded her way through Tudor politics and court intrigue. She retired from court after the accession of Edward VI in January 1547 and in July married a fourth time, to Thomas Seymour, uncle of the young king. Parr bore a daughter on 30 August 1548 and died from complications of childbirth, likely puerperal fever, 6 days later. Seymour, engaged in a power struggle at court with his older brother and the Regency Council over control of his nephew, ended up tried for treason and executed in 1549. CONDITION: Very good. A rare signature.
Item Dimensions: 14" X 10"