Thomas Stanley, Earl of Derby

Also known as: Thomas Stanleie earle of Derbie / Thomas Stanley, Lord Stanley / lord Stanleie / lord Thomas · Family: House of York · Role: lord · First appears: Edward IV 9

Under Edward IV, Thomas Stanley refused Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick’s attempt to draw him into conspiracy, answering that he would never make war against Edward IV. He married Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, and in 1482 received custody of Berwick Castle from Richard III. Around 1483, during Richard III’s arrests, he was struck at and wounded, while his warning to William Hastings, Baron Hastings urged him to flee after a frightening dream involving them both.

In 1484, Richard III ordered Thomas to confine Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond secretly and prevent her from sending messages to her son or his allies. Around 1485, as Henry VII approached, Thomas withdrew to Aderstone, “gaue to him place, dislodging him and his,” concealing his support until he could reunite with Henry VII and his brother William Stanley. Although he delayed joining Henry VII’s army, Thomas ultimately helped command the battle, while his son and heir George Stanley, Lord Strange remained a hostage.

After the victory at Bosworth in 1485, Thomas took Richard III’s recovered crown and placed it on Henry VII’s head. When the field was over, George Stanley, Lord Strange was released and brought before Henry VII, who received him and Thomas with great joy.