I am in two minds about Catherine Parr. She has been traditionally seen as the Queen who looked after Henry in his dotage, then more recently recognised for her intelligence and scholarship, but I wonder if there isn't another way to view her? I see a passive-aggressive personality, at times ready to be political and forthright in her opinions and writings, but also able to manipulate her way out of trouble. She got herself out of a great deal of danger playing the submissive wife, having previously shown herself to be fully capable of asserting her position as Queen. In later years, she got herself out of trouble from her clandestine marriage to Thomas Seymour because of her relationship with young Edward. She certainly knew how to push boundaries, and how to pull herself out of the mud when she fell in it. Then again, Anne Boleyn had paid the ultimate price for her assertiveness, which was a salutary lesson to all who came after her.
I have mixed feelings about her too as I really can't get to grips with what happened between her husband, Thomas Seymour, and Elizabeth. Yes, perhaps you're right, or perhaps she was a pragmatist, I'm not quite sure.
What a great presentation you have done.Have you had laser. surgery or contact lenses? Great look Hope you and fam are well and that you are enjoying your new job Cheers xx
No, I just need my glasses for reading and am trying to use them for only close up reading and my work. Thank you for your kind comments. I am really enjoying teaching on top of my research and writing. It's lovely to be back in the classroom once again.
They thought she was...ehem...ASKEWED in her views XD I shall see myself out. Edit: as a Christian (nondenominational) i am on Anne's side 100%. It is DISGUSTING to me that they forbid ANYONE from reading our Holy Book. OOOH it grinds my gears. >:(
🇭🇲 An excellent question by Laura 👏👏 so "thank you" Laura. It was very interesting (although disturbing) to hear how very badly (to say the least) that Anne Askew was treated, by being 'racked' so badly, as she was. The poor woman - but so very brave. How she faced her fate! Anne Askew had done nothing wrong at all, yet paid the ultimate price for her beliefs. Even when 'ordered' by the court to return to her husband when her divorce was denied her, I am shocked that such an order was made (at all) as HOW could she return to her husband? AS it was her husband who had made her leave their home, in the first place! Then later (due to her broken body by racking) needing to be carried on a chair 🪑 to be burnt 🔥 at the stake! My God - it was a man's world, wasn't it? And all 'said' to be done in the name of God, when God really had nothing to do with it. Only powerful and cruel men! I somehow doubt that King Henry VIII would have had Catherine Parr executed, especially given he'd already executed 2 wives. King Henry VIII thus finding a 'way out' for his wife to 'make amends' in his eyes, and in the eyes of the royal court. Whether sincere - or not. It worked, and she survived this terrible scare, but she was unable to save her friend, being Anne Askew. Anne Askew's torture (and death) must have upset many, but it sent a clear message to all who thought along the same lines as Anne Askew (amongst others). Another very thought provoking topic - and video! As always much appreciated, and "Thank you" dear Claire. With much love sent to you and yours, from Lyndell xx 💓🫂
This was a great question, I think Catherine Parr would have survived as, no matter the evidence, Henry's actions were very much a reflection of 'what suited Henry at that moment'. Had he wanted rid of Catherine - he would have done so with Anne Askew's testimony or without. It also made me wonder if Henry had granted the Conservatives 'enough rope' in order to create a situation wherein Henry could reassert his control over both the Conservative and the Reformists. I suppose we should be thankful (knowing their character flaws) that Rich and Wriothesley did not state they witnessed Anne Askew surrendering Catherine Parr's name. Many thanks Claire, a really interesting question.
I listened to the audio book for Lamentation of a Sinner. Catherine Parr was a highly wise and intelligent woman. A true inspiration for morale and staying true to your religious beliefs ❤
Thank you so much for devoting an entire lecture to my query, Clare! Listening, I came up with new questions...like were Anne and Catherine friends? How well did they know each other? If a man had done what Anne had done, would he have been tortured and executed?
The Anne Askew affair was one of the worst miscarriages of justice! I read a biography about Richard Rich, and he was a thoroughly rotten and repellent monster. Wriothsley wasn’t much better. Rich’s biography said that when he died even his wife and children rejoiced that he was finally out of their lives. How much do you think that misogyny played in their and the Bishop of Winchester’s plan to snare Katherine and demean Anne before executing Anne and following through with the plan to do away with Katherine?
I can't help thinking about Catherine Parr and her next husband with Young Princess Elizabeth and wonder the part Catherine played in that, only to have so little time left to live.
There was a great drama series about that called Becoming Elizabeth that aired last year that explored that period of history. It was on channel 4 in the U.K. but not sure where you’d find it if you’re elsewhere.
I am a little confused? Didn’t Henry break with the Catholic Church and was ex-communicated? Then became head of the Church of England, a protestant religion? Why did he have any catholic courtiers at all, wouldn’t THEY have been on the outs? Sorry if I’m being completely ignorant here…
He became head of the Church IN England and, at that time, it was very much Catholic, it just didn't have the pope as head of it. Henry VIII died a Catholic. The Church didn't become what we'd call Protestant until the reign of his son, Edward VI. That was then all undone by Mary I, but the Church of England as a Protestant church was properly established with the Religious Settlement of Elizabeth I's reign.
Hi Claire.. I thought it was Sir Anthony Knyvett who was the Lieutenant of the Tower when Anne Askew was tortured not Anthony Kingston as mentioned by you. Am I incorrect?
I have always thought that Henry VIII was most insecure monarch of Britain ever. I have always suspected that Henry was more Louis XIV than anyone else. From what I have read, Henry VIII was typical of his time, Anne of Cleves and Catherine Parr understood their situations quite well. Henry himself may have been tired of losing Queens. And Catherine Parr had been exemplary as a Queen. Bishop Garner may have over stepped himself. I often wonder if Henry had lived a few more years, what he would have done with Gardner. Just food for thought… Now as far Catherine Parr’s place in history, I am torn.
I so admire Anne Askew fortitude. It tells you she was deep on her faith. She didn’t want for friends to go through what she was going through. Catherine Parr was lucky to find out just in time that she was being investigated. She was wise to please her king and submit to him. She survived. Well…
Lovely story indeed and you certainly have the talent to tell it. Catherine played smart. There are times when God allows persecution and suffering and until the fullness of such times is complete we must exercise caution and learn discipline under trial. Catherine was smart enough to understand the times and the powers of those stronger than her against whom she was not able to win at that time until a time of refreshment has come from the Lord and from all His martyrs who gave their lives in defense of their faith. There are ppl who are called to be martyrs like Ann and there are those like Catherine who are called to bide their time and spread the faith in a more discrete way. Thank you for sharing! ❤
I am in two minds about Catherine Parr. She has been traditionally seen as the Queen who looked after Henry in his dotage, then more recently recognised for her intelligence and scholarship, but I wonder if there isn't another way to view her? I see a passive-aggressive personality, at times ready to be political and forthright in her opinions and writings, but also able to manipulate her way out of trouble. She got herself out of a great deal of danger playing the submissive wife, having previously shown herself to be fully capable of asserting her position as Queen. In later years, she got herself out of trouble from her clandestine marriage to Thomas Seymour because of her relationship with young Edward. She certainly knew how to push boundaries, and how to pull herself out of the mud when she fell in it. Then again, Anne Boleyn had paid the ultimate price for her assertiveness, which was a salutary lesson to all who came after her.
I have mixed feelings about her too as I really can't get to grips with what happened between her husband, Thomas Seymour, and Elizabeth.
Yes, perhaps you're right, or perhaps she was a pragmatist, I'm not quite sure.
What a great presentation you have done.Have you had laser. surgery or contact lenses? Great look
Hope you and fam are well and that you are enjoying your new job
Cheers xx
No, I just need my glasses for reading and am trying to use them for only close up reading and my work.
Thank you for your kind comments. I am really enjoying teaching on top of my research and writing. It's lovely to be back in the classroom once again.
They thought she was...ehem...ASKEWED in her views XD
I shall see myself out.
Edit: as a Christian (nondenominational) i am on Anne's side 100%. It is DISGUSTING to me that they forbid ANYONE from reading our Holy Book. OOOH it grinds my gears. >:(
Ha!
I’m so glad you’re back to making these informational videos again. I really missed them.
Here, here! Hooray for more videos by Clare!!!❤
Thank you!
Thank you!
🇭🇲 An excellent question by Laura 👏👏 so "thank you" Laura. It was very interesting (although disturbing) to hear
how very badly (to say the least) that Anne Askew was treated, by being 'racked' so badly, as she was. The poor woman - but so very brave. How she faced her fate! Anne Askew had done nothing wrong at all, yet paid the ultimate price for her beliefs. Even when 'ordered' by the court to return to her husband when her divorce was denied her, I am shocked that such an order was made (at all) as HOW could she return to her husband? AS it was her husband who had made her leave their home, in the first place! Then later (due to her broken body by racking) needing to be carried on a chair 🪑 to be burnt 🔥 at the stake! My God - it was a man's world, wasn't it? And all 'said' to be done in the name of God, when God really had nothing to do with it. Only powerful and cruel men!
I somehow doubt that King Henry VIII would have had Catherine Parr executed, especially given he'd already executed 2 wives. King Henry VIII thus finding a 'way out' for his wife to 'make amends' in his eyes, and in the eyes of the royal court. Whether sincere - or not. It worked, and she survived this terrible scare, but she was unable to save her friend, being Anne Askew. Anne Askew's torture (and death) must have upset many, but it sent a clear message to all who thought along the same lines as Anne Askew (amongst others).
Another very thought provoking topic - and video! As always much appreciated, and "Thank you" dear Claire. With much love sent to you and yours, from Lyndell xx 💓🫂
I'm so very glad you enjoyed the video, Lyndell! Thank you so much for all your support.
This was a great question, I think Catherine Parr would have survived as, no matter the evidence, Henry's actions were very much a reflection of 'what suited Henry at that moment'. Had he wanted rid of Catherine - he would have done so with Anne Askew's testimony or without. It also made me wonder if Henry had granted the Conservatives 'enough rope' in order to create a situation wherein Henry could reassert his control over both the Conservative and the Reformists. I suppose we should be thankful (knowing their character flaws) that Rich and Wriothesley did not state they witnessed Anne Askew surrendering Catherine Parr's name. Many thanks Claire, a really interesting question.
Yes, I think it was a huge game played by Henry to make everyone toe the line, his line.
Catherine Parr seems to have been a woman of rare good common sense.
Yes, I think so, although she went on to marry Thomas Seymour, so even a woman with common sense can become a fool for love!
I listened to the audio book for Lamentation of a Sinner. Catherine Parr was a highly wise and intelligent woman. A true inspiration for morale and staying true to your religious beliefs ❤
Anne was incredibly strong to survive the rack...I really don't want to imagine being burned alive. Your stories are always enjoyed! Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you Claire!!! Love your videos. So deliciously juicy with lovely history!
Thank you!
This was great....thank you....😊
You're so welcome!
Thank you so much for devoting an entire lecture to my query, Clare! Listening, I came up with new questions...like were Anne and Catherine friends? How well did they know each other? If a man had done what Anne had done, would he have been tortured and executed?
Anne Askew is one of my personal heroines.
Excellent video. Thank you Laura for the question ❤😊
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
The Anne Askew affair was one of the worst miscarriages of justice! I read a biography about Richard Rich, and he was a thoroughly rotten and repellent monster. Wriothsley wasn’t much better. Rich’s biography said that when he died even his wife and children rejoiced that he was finally out of their lives. How much do you think that misogyny played in their and the Bishop of Winchester’s plan to snare Katherine and demean Anne before executing Anne and following through with the plan to do away with Katherine?
I don't think it was misogyny, just pure religious intolerance.
Such a fascinating video! This is the first I've heard some of these details. Thank you!
Thank you!
This is the great misconception. Henry was not a Protestant. He only traded the Pope for himself.
I can't help thinking about Catherine Parr and her next husband with Young Princess Elizabeth and wonder the part Catherine played in that, only to have so little time left to live.
There was a great drama series about that called Becoming Elizabeth that aired last year that explored that period of history. It was on channel 4 in the U.K. but not sure where you’d find it if you’re elsewhere.
Yes, I'll never understand Catherine's role in what happened between Seymour and Elizabeth.
I recently found out family tree records that my grandmother had uncovered before she passed away. I am a descendant of Anne Askew. 😮
I still wonder if Catherine Parr would have survived had Henry lived.
I am a little confused? Didn’t Henry break with the Catholic Church and was ex-communicated? Then became head of the Church of England, a protestant religion? Why did he have any catholic courtiers at all, wouldn’t THEY have been on the outs? Sorry if I’m being completely ignorant here…
He became head of the Church IN England and, at that time, it was very much Catholic, it just didn't have the pope as head of it. Henry VIII died a Catholic. The Church didn't become what we'd call Protestant until the reign of his son, Edward VI. That was then all undone by Mary I, but the Church of England as a Protestant church was properly established with the Religious Settlement of Elizabeth I's reign.
Thanks Claire
Hi Claire.. I thought it was Sir Anthony Knyvett who was the Lieutenant of the Tower when Anne Askew was tortured not Anthony Kingston as mentioned by you. Am I incorrect?
Hmmm, perhaps so, perhaps Foxe named the wrong man! I used Foxe's account of Anne Askew's imprisonment and torture, and didn't double check his names.
I really admire anne askew
I have always thought that Henry VIII was most insecure monarch of Britain ever. I have always suspected that Henry was more Louis XIV than anyone else.
From what I have read, Henry VIII was typical of his time, Anne of Cleves and Catherine Parr understood their situations quite well. Henry himself may have been tired of losing Queens. And Catherine Parr had been exemplary as a Queen. Bishop Garner may have over stepped himself. I often wonder if Henry had lived a few more years, what he would have done with Gardner. Just food for thought…
Now as far Catherine Parr’s place in history, I am torn.
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
she must have been so scared. Poor queen Parr
Love the videos👍🏴
Thank you!
God I've missed your videos.
This is interesting
Loved this
Thank you, Claire for all your information, I too am a student of English history,
You are welcome!
Really enjoyed this Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I so admire Anne Askew fortitude. It tells you she was deep on her faith. She didn’t want for friends to go through what she was going through. Catherine Parr was lucky to find out just in time that she was being investigated. She was wise to please her king and submit to him. She survived. Well…
Lovely story indeed and you certainly have the talent to tell it. Catherine played smart. There are times when God allows persecution and suffering and until the fullness of such times is complete we must exercise caution and learn discipline under trial. Catherine was smart enough to understand the times and the powers of those stronger than her against whom she was not able to win at that time until a time of refreshment has come from the Lord and from all His martyrs who gave their lives in defense of their faith. There are ppl who are called to be martyrs like Ann and there are those like Catherine who are called to bide their time and spread the faith in a more discrete way. Thank you for sharing! ❤
Thank you! I think Anne Askew was aware of the risks and was willing to die for her faith.
This is absolutely incredible! Bless you! 🌹