Thomas Stanley

Thomas Stanley, 1st Earl of Derby, was a prominent English nobleman born around 1435. He played a crucial role in the turbulent Wars of the Roses, which saw a power struggle between the houses of Lancaster and York. Stanley was initially aligned with the Lancastrians, serving under King Henry VI. However, his pivotal moment came during the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.

As stepfather to Henry Tudor, later King Henry VII, Stanley held significant influence. His actions at Bosworth were decisive; he commanded a substantial force but remained non-committal until the critical juncture. Stanley's timely intervention on behalf of Henry Tudor ultimately led to the defeat of King Richard III, resulting in Henry's ascension to the throne. For his support, Henry VII greatly rewarded Stanley, elevating him to the Earldom of Derby and granting him extensive lands.

Apart from his military and political maneuvers, Stanley was a shrewd and adaptable noble, navigating the perilous shifts in power with skill. His marriage to Lady Margaret Beaufort, Henry VII's mother, further entrenched his influence in the Tudor court. Thomas Stanley passed away in 1504, leaving a legacy as a kingmaker and a stabilizing force in one of England’s most chaotic eras.