How Did Elizabeth Influence Parr

According to historian, Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, Parr's intellectual influence probably had the greatest impact on Princess Elizabeth. In July 1544, during her regency, Parr brought Elizabeth to court. While Parr probably saw this as a bonding opportunity for her and Elizabeth, it was so much more than that. Elizabeth got to witness firsthand "that a woman could sit in council with her ministers and govern the country." Elizabeth continued her relationship with Parr away from court as well, graciously thanking her in letters for "not forget[ting] me every time you have written to the King's majesty." Many scholars agreed that it is the fact that Parr kept both Elizabeth and Mary in the King's mind that they were restored to the line of

Both children continued a relationship with Parr after Henry's death. Because of her religious leanings, as well as Henry's viewpoints of a woman ruling, Parr was not granted any political power from Henry when it came to the reign of Edward VI, but this did not stop Parr from using the relationship to her advantage. She used the boy's affections for her to secure herself a marriage to a younger uncle of Edward's, Sir Thomas Seymour, the man that Parr had loved for many years. She even went as far as utilizing Edward's feelings for her into making him think that her marriage to Seymour was his idea. In a letter to Parr, Edward writes of his appreciation of her "gentle acceptance of our suit," and promises he "will provide for you both that hereafter, if any grief be fall." Aside from the occasional letter promising his "mutual love," Parr had to be content with the fact that her influence of Edward and the monarchy was strictly indirect. The reformist education he received in his childhood, thanks in part to Parr, caused Protestantism to "flourish" during Edward's reign." Parr inspired Edward's sister, Elizabeth, the