Ancestor #1: THOMAS STANLEY, 1st Earl of Derby KG #0002

portrait claimed to be of Thomas; possibly his grandson

THOMAS STANLEY, 1st Earl of Derby KG WIKI 

Relationship: 18th gt-gdfather (HALE family side)

Descent from Royalty: HENRY III WIKI (4th gt-gdfather)

BORN:    1435 

DIED:    29 July 1504 

FAMOUS for: step-father of Henry VII WIKI; deciding factor in the Battle of Bosworth WIKI

INFAMOUS for: custodian & possible murderer of the Princes in the Tower WIKI

Thomas Stanley, 1st Earl of Derby, was born in 1435 in Lancashire, England, and died in 1504. He was a prominent figure during the Wars of the Roses, a series of conflicts between the House of Lancaster and the House of York for the English throne.

Stanley initially supported the Lancastrian cause but later switched sides to support the Yorkist king Edward IV. He was rewarded for his loyalty with titles and land, including the Earldom of Derby in 1485.

During the reign of King Henry VII, Stanley remained a trusted advisor and was appointed as Lord High Steward of England. He played a key role in suppressing the Lambert Simnel rebellion, a failed attempt to overthrow Henry VII in 1487.

Stanley was known for his patronage of the arts and his support of education. He founded the Stanley Grammar School in Lancashire and was a collector of manuscripts and books. He also served as the patron of the poet John Skelton.

In addition to his political and cultural achievements, Stanley was also a successful businessman, amassing a significant fortune through trade and land holdings.

Overall, Thomas Stanley, Earl of Derby, was a prominent figure in English politics and culture during the late 15th century, known for his loyalty, business acumen, and support of the arts and education.

Thomas Stanley had two wives;

1. Eleanor Neville: Stanley's first wife was Eleanor Neville, the daughter of Richard Neville, Earl of Salisbury, and sister of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, also known as the "Kingmaker". They were married in 1459 and had four children together, including their eldest son George Stanley, who succeeded his father as the 2nd Earl of Derby.
2. Lady Margaret Beaufort: Stanley's second wife was Lady Margaret Beaufort, the mother of King Henry VII. They were married in 1472, after the death of Stanley's first wife. Lady Margaret was a wealthy heiress and a key player in the Wars of the Roses, supporting the Lancastrian cause. Her marriage to Stanley was a political alliance that helped to secure his position in the court of King Edward IV. They had no children together, but Lady Margaret had previously been married and had a son, who would later become King Henry VIII.

Thomas Stanley's role in the Battle of Bosworth was crucial and played a significant part in the outcome of the battle.

At the time of the battle in 1485, Stanley had initially supported King Richard III, who was facing a challenge to his claim to the throne from Henry Tudor, a member of the rival House of Lancaster. However, Stanley did not commit his forces to either side and remained neutral until the battle had begun.

During the battle, Stanley positioned his forces on a nearby hill, watching as the two sides clashed. As the battle reached a critical point, Stanley's forces, which had remained largely intact and out of harm's way, intervened in the fighting, attacking Richard III's army from the rear.

This surprise attack turned the tide of the battle in favor of Henry Tudor, who was able to claim victory and seize the throne as King Henry VII. Stanley's decision to support Henry Tudor at the critical moment was a major factor in the outcome of the battle and had a significant impact on the course of English history.

As a result of his support for Henry Tudor, Stanley was rewarded with additional lands and titles, including the Lordship of Mann, and became one of the most influential figures at the Tudor court. His role in the Battle of Bosworth cemented his position as a powerful player in English politics and ensured his place in history as a key figure in the Wars of the Roses.

ARMS:

The arms show:

Top Left:        Arms of Stanley: Argent, on a bend azure three buck's heads cabossed or

Top Right:      Arms of the Kingdom of Man: gules three legs armed and flexed in triangle

Low Left:       Arms of  (Warenne?): échiqueté d'or et d'azur

Low Right:     Arms of Lathom: gold on a chief indented azure three silver plates

FILM/TV:

THOMAS STANLEY was played by Rupert Graves WIKI in the 2013 BBC drama The White Queen WIKI.

image from Internet; (c) presumably from BBC/Starz