The Stanleys

Question 1

Who were the Stanley’s?

Answer 1

Lord Stanley was a staunch yorkist and a strong supporter of E4 reign
when E4 died he was one of the Nobles who wanted to see a balance of power between Richard and the Woodvilles

Question 2

Did the Stanleys support R3 reign?

Answer 2

during Richards coronation, he bore the ceremonial great mace which is an important symbol of royal authority signifying Stanley’s support of R3

Stanley also helped R3 suppress the rebellion in 1483 and was greatly rewarded with Buckinghams estates on the 12th Nov demonstrating his loyalty again

however, the Stanley’s had little choice but to support R3 as they were in his presence
when Henry’s invasion Force landed they weren’t with the King so could act on free will

Question 3

Did R3 have the support of the Stanleys at Bosworth?

Answer 3

however R3 was uncertain of Lord Stanley supports at Bosworth
this uncertainty greatly weakened his position
Stanley avoided all the king’s request to join the Royal Army

Question 4

Did HT gain the support of the Stanley’s?

Answer 4

Stanley was HT stepfather

Henry Tudor gained the support of Lord Stanley who offered a smoke screen with his forces while the rebel forces advanced
this was an effective strategy to confuse Richards’s information of the rebels

Stanley was securing military and political objectives vital to the rebel cause by maintaining a smokescreen behind which Henry Tudor could rest and rally support

Henry met with Lord Stanley on the 21st of August to secure the alliance