Sir William Stanley is a figure who sits up much emotion in online discussions. He is the man who intervened at Bosworth on 22 August 1485 which is perceived as being a reason for the defeat and death of Richard III. A once loyal Yorkist who had turned coats and fought for the invading Henry Tudor. The same Henry Tudor who as King felt the need to approve Sir William’s execution in 1495 for treason.
Sir William Stanley
Sir William Stanley was the younger brother of Thomas, Lord Stanley. William had been heavily involved in the Wars of the Roses. He fought at Blore Heath for the Yorkists which led to an attainder being issued by the Lancastrian Parliament. He continued to support the Yorkist cause and fought in Edward‘s army at the Battle of Towton.
He was rewarded for this service with the grant of Clifford lands including Skipton Castle in 1465. When the Lancastrians tried to oust Edward in 1471, it was William who captured Margaret of Anjou following the Battle of Tewkesbury.
This earned him great favour, particularly with the Duke of Gloucester. Despite Richard’s patronage as both Duke and King, William chose to change sides at the Battle of Bosworth. This decision arguably proved decisive in winning the day for Henry Tudor.
The new King was very grateful for William’s intervention, resulting in him being appointed Lord Chamberlain and Chamberlain of the Exchequer.
16 February 1495: Execution of Sir William Stanley.
Despite his status and royal favour, Sir William became implicated in the Perkin Warbeck plot to overthrow King Henry VII. The evidence against him was quite flimsy by modern standards, but leniency on a crime of this nature could lead to many more problems. Sir William Stanley was sentenced to death, the execution, beheading, taking place 16 February 1495.