Parr became a celebrity, albeit briefly in his own lifetime. In 1635 his fame reached the ears of Thomas Howard, 2nd Earl of Arundel and Surrey who was visiting one of his Shropshire estates. The Earl heard all about the incredible 'old, very old man' known as "Old Parr", then said to be l52 years old and working as a farmer near his country seat.
Parr was visited by the Earl at his small hamlet near Shrewsbury in Shropshire. When the Earl encountered Parr he was decided to bring him to London and exhibit the marvel at court and persuaded Parr to visit the King in London. Parr left Shropshire never to return.
