Thomas Parr (courtier)

Thomas Parr (c. 1483 – November 11, 1517) was an English courtier during the reign of King Henry VIII. He is most notably known as the uncle of Queen consort Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife.

Parr was the son of Sir William Parr and Elizabeth FitzHugh, daughter of Henry FitzHugh, 5th Baron FitzHugh. He was a relatively minor figure at court, but his lineage connected him to important families. He served as Sheriff of Northamptonshire in 1509 and as Master of the Wards and Liveries jointly with Sir John Gage from 1513 until his death. He was knighted on 14 October 1513.

Thomas Parr's significance lies primarily in his family connections. He married Maud Green, daughter of Sir Thomas Green of Green's Norton, and Maud Green (née Raleigh). Their children included:

• Katherine Parr, Queen of England as the sixth wife of Henry VIII.
• William Parr, 1st Marquess of Northampton, a prominent figure during the reigns of Edward VI and Elizabeth I.
• Anne Parr, Countess of Pembroke, a lady-in-waiting and influential figure at court.

Thomas Parr died on November 11, 1517, when his children were still young. His widow, Maud, played a significant role in the children's upbringing and education, ensuring they were well-prepared for life at court. The Parr family's rise to prominence during the Tudor era can be largely attributed to Thomas Parr's children, particularly his daughter Catherine.