William Parr, 1st Baron Parr of Horton facts for kids

William Parr, born around 1483, was an important figure in England during the time of King Henry VIII. He was the son of Sir William Parr and Elizabeth Fitzhugh. He later became the 1st Baron Parr of Horton.

Life and Career

Early Military Service

William Parr was a soldier who fought for England in France and Scotland. King Henry VIII made him a knight at Tournai Cathedral in France. William also went with the King to a famous meeting called the 'Field of the Cloth of Gold'. This was a grand event in France where Henry VIII met the French King.

Family Support

William Parr was also a dedicated family man. When his brother, Sir Thomas, passed away, William helped his sister-in-law, Maud, who was left a widow at 25. He helped her manage her family's lands in northern England. Maud was busy in the south, planning for her three children's future. William was named an executor of his brother's will. He and Cuthbert Tunstall helped protect Maud's children. William's own children were educated alongside Maud's children.

Working for the King's Son

William Parr was given an important job as Chamberlain for the Duke of Richmond. This Duke was King Henry VIII's son, though not from his queen. The Duke lived at Sheriff Hutton Castle in Yorkshire. William helped his nephew, also named William Parr, get a place in the Duke's household. His nephew would get a great education there.

Challenges in the Duke's Household

Being Chamberlain was not always easy for William Parr. The Duke's household was actually controlled by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey from London. This meant William had less power and couldn't gain much wealth. There were also daily problems. The Duke's teachers and officers often argued. William thought it was normal for boys to prefer hunting and sports. He found it funny when the Duke became unruly. The Duke's tutor, John Palsgrave, even quit because he felt undermined. William Parr was suspicious of schoolmaster priests. When the Duke's household closed in 1529, William felt disappointed. He had not gained much personal success or money from the experience.

Loyalty to the Crown

Despite his earlier challenges, Sir William Parr proved his loyalty in 1536. This was during a rebellion called the Pilgrimage of Grace. William was in Lincolnshire with the Duke of Suffolk. He helped oversee executions in Louth and Horncastle. William tried to impress important figures like the Duke of Norfolk and Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell even praised William's "goodness" after seeing him at an execution in Hull.

Supporting New Religion

William Parr strongly supported the new religion under Henry VIII. He became a main agent for Thomas Cromwell. His job was to help close down monasteries in Northamptonshire.

Important Roles

Sir William Parr held many important positions. He was the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire in 1518, 1522, 1534, and 1538. A Sheriff was a top law enforcement officer in a county. He was also an Esquire of the Body for King Henry VII and King Henry VIII. This meant he was a personal attendant to the King. William was also a distant cousin to King Henry VIII.

Later, he became the Chamberlain for his niece, Queen Catherine Parr. When Catherine became Queen regent (ruling in the King's place) while Henry was in France, she made William part of her council. This showed she trusted her uncle very much.

King Henry VIII made William a knight in October 1513. This was after the siege of Tournai. He was also elected to parliament for Northamptonshire in 1529 and 1539.

On December 23, 1543, he was made a peer of the realm. This meant he became a nobleman, the 1st Baron Parr of Horton, Northamptonshire. He died in 1547 and was buried at Horton. Since he had no sons, his title of Baron became extinct, meaning it ended.

Family

William Parr married Mary Salisbury. She brought the manor of Horton as part of her dowry (money or property a bride brings to a marriage). They had a happy marriage and four daughters who survived childhood:

• Maud (Magdalen) Parr: She married Sir Ralph Lane of Orlingbury. Maud grew up with her cousin Catherine Parr. Catherine later became the last queen of King Henry VIII. Maud became a lady-in-waiting to the queen. She was a close friend and trusted person to Queen Catherine throughout her life.
• Anne Parr: She married Sir John Digby.
• Elizabeth Parr: She married Sir Nicholas Wodhull.
• Mary Parr: She married Sir Thomas Tresham.

Lord Parr and his wife are ancestors of William, Prince of Wales. This connection comes through his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. They are related through both Maud, Lady Lane, and Mary, Lady Tresham.

William Parr is buried at Horton, Northamptonshire, where his family's estate was located.