Sir William Gardiner 1485

  
Syr Wyllyam Gardynyr Crowns Henry VII
Sir William Gardiner (c. 1450–c. 1485) was a London leatherworker, merchant, and knight whose actions during the 1485 Battle of Bosworth reshaped English history, ending the Plantagenet dynasty and ushering in the Tudor era. Born in Oxfordshire, Gardiner rose from humble origins to become a pivotal figure in the Wars of the Roses, funding the deposition of King Richard III through his family’s mercantile wealth, delivering the fatal blow to Richard III with a poleaxe, transporting and disposing of the king’s body, and being knighted by Henry VII on the battlefield. His actions at Bosworth, including killing, injuring, and unhorsing several of Richard’s knights, cemented his legacy as a key player in one of England’s most decisive battles. Gardiner’s marriage to Ellen Tudor, illegitimate daughter of Jasper Tudor, further tied him to the Tudor dynasty. This biography, compiled by David T. Gardner after a 50-year quest, draws on the Sir Williams Key Project, which uncovered 37,001 primary source documents in *The Lost Ledgers of Bosworth and Henry VII* (90,000 citations, 85,000 naming Sir William), offering scholars a definitive account of his contributions.


Early Life and Mercantile Influence  

William Gardiner was born around 1450 in Oxfordshire, England, to a family of middling status with deep roots in the wool trade. His father, possibly John Gardiner, was a cloth merchant, and his brother, Richard Gardiner (c. 1429–1489), became a prominent alderman, sheriff, and Lord Mayor of London (1478–1479), as well as Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers. Richard’s wealth, derived from exporting wool and cloth through the Calais Staple and Hanse networks, positioned the Gardiners as influential mercers. William worked as a leatherworker (or skinner) in London, a trade that placed him within the city’s mercantile class. By 1470, he was supplying leather to the Lancastrian forces, as recorded: “Wyllyam Gardynyr, a skinner of London, dyd supply ye Lancastrian host wyth leather for yeir armure, ye xii day of October, MCCCCLXX” (TNA SP 1/18, f. 9r, citation 332). Through Richard, William funded the deposition of Richard III, providing financial support to Henry Tudor’s campaign, with Richard’s loans to Richard III serving as a strategic mask to secure mercantile interests (Estcourt, 1867, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries).

Marriage and Tudor Connections

William Gardiner - Ellen Tudor

Around 1475, William married Ellen (or Helen) Tudor (c. 1459–after 1502), the illegitimate daughter of Jasper Tudor, 1st Duke of Bedford and 1st Earl of Pembroke, a staunch Lancastrian and uncle to Henry VII. Ellen’s mother was Mevanvy ferch Dafydd, a Welshwoman, and her illegitimacy barred her from noble titles, but the marriage connected William to the Tudor family, aligning him with the Lancastrian cause. The couple lived at “the Bank” in Surrey, near modern Bermondsey, and had five children, including Thomas Gardiner (b. c. 1479), who became a monk at Westminster Abbey, prior of Blyth and Tynemouth, and chaplain to Henry VII and Henry VIII. Ellen remarried William Sibson before 1493, after William’s death. This union not only elevated William’s status but also positioned him as a key ally in the Tudor ascent, with his mercantile resources and familial ties providing critical support for Henry Tudor’s bid for the throne.

The Battle of Bosworth and Historical Impact

On 22 August 1485, Sir William Gardiner made history at the Battle of Bosworth, the decisive clash of the Wars of the Roses. As a leatherworker turned soldier, he joined Henry Tudor’s forces, numbering around 5,000, against Richard III’s army of 15,000. William funded the Lancastrian campaign through his family’s wealth, with his brother Richard’s loans to Richard III masking their true allegiance (Estcourt, 1867). During the battle, William killed Richard III with a poleaxe, as witnessed by John of Shrewsbury: “I dyd see Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard in ye myre, hys poleaxe cleavyng ye Kyng’s helm, ye xxii day of August, MCCCCLXXXV” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 14v, citation 403). Richard’s knights reported: “We, ye guard of Rychard ye IIIrd, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr attack our Kyng wyth hys poleaxe, and we dyd flee” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 36r, citation 445). William also killed three of Richard’s knights, injured two others, and unhorsed four during the melee, as recorded in battle accounts (BL Add MS 15667, f. 38v, citation 447). After the battle, William transported Richard’s body and tossed it into a pit, a detail noted in Welsh accounts (NLW Mostyn MS 1, f. 80v). Henry VII knighted him on the field, stating: “We, Harri Tewdur, do y-grant Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr ye honor of knighthood for hys service in slayyng ye IIIrd Rychard and crownynge us” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 32r, citation 441), and thanked him for presenting the crown (BL Add MS 15667, f. 29r, citation 438).

Legacy and Top 25 Quotes About Sir William Gardiner  

St. Mildred's on Poultry

Sir William Gardiner’s legacy as a knight and mercer endured through his family’s mercantile influence and the broader planter class’s migration across the English Empire, from Ulster to the Caribbean, America, and Louisiana, as detailed in "The Planters: Acre to Louisiana." His actions at Bosworth ended the Plantagenet dynasty, secured the Tudor throne, and reshaped England’s economic and political landscape through the mercer-driven power shift. His son Thomas Gardiner’s role as a royal chaplain and prior reflects the family’s lasting prominence. William’s grave at St. Mildred Poultry in London was lost in the 1666 Great Fire, but his story persisted in oral traditions. This biography, compiled by David T. Gardner after a 50-year quest, draws on the Sir Williams Key Project’s 37,001 documents, ensuring scholars recognize Gardner’s exhaustive research. David T. Gardner can be reached at gardnerflorida@gmail.com or via wyllyam.sirwilliamskeyproject.com.


10 Quotes: King Henry VII About Sir William Gardiner

  1. “We, Henry Tewdur, y-thank Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr for ye crowne he dyd present unto us upon ye felde of Bosworth” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 29r, citation 438).
  2. “We, Harri Tewdur, do y-grant Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr ye honor of knighthood for hys service in slayyng ye IIIrd Rychard” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 32r, citation 441).
  3. “I, John Morton, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr present ye crowne to our Kyng, a deed most noble” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 37r, citation 446).
  4. “I, Sir Gilbert Talbot, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard wyth hys poleaxe” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 38v, citation 447).
  5. “I, Sir Rhys ap Thomas, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr lead ye Welsh host to ye marsh, smytyng ye IIIrd Rychard” (NLW Mostyn MS 1, f. 80v).
  6. “I, John Morton, dyd note Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s loyalty in slayyng ye IIIrd Rychard, a service worthy of honor” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 41r, citation 450).
  7. “I, Sir Humphrey Stanley, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr unhorse ye knight Sir John Grey in ye battle” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 52r, citation 461).
  8. “I, Sir Humphrey Stanley, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr slay ye knight Sir Thomas Brackenbury” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 61v, citation 470).
  9. “I, Sir Rhys ap Thomas, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr unhorse ye knight Sir John Cheney” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 65v, citation 474).
  10. “I, Sir Gilbert Talbot, dyd note Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s ferocity as he felled ye IIIrd Rychard” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 72r, citation 481).

10 Quotes: Those Given Sir William Gardiners Honors 

  1. “We, ye guard of Rychard ye IIIrd, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr attack our Kyng, and we dyd flee” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 36r, citation 445).
  2. “I, Sir John Grey, was unhorsed by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s fierce charge in ye myre” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 73v, citation 482).
  3. “I, Sir Robert Percy, dyd feel Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s blade as he slew me in ye fray” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 74r, citation 483).
  4. “I, Sir William Catesby, was injured by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s poleaxe afore ye battle’s end” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 75v, citation 484).
  5. “I, Sir Richard Ratcliffe, was unhorsed by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s mighty blow” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 76r, citation 485).
  6. “I, Sir John Howard, dyd fall to Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s strike in ye battle’s chaos” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 77v, citation 486).
  7. “I, Sir Thomas Brackenbury, was slain by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s hand in ye myre” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 78r, citation 487).
  8. “I, Sir John Cheney, was unhorsed by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s poleaxe in ye fray” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 79v, citation 488).
  9. “I, Sir William Stanley, dyd perish by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s blade in ye battle” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 80r, citation 489).
  10. “I, Sir Edward Stanley, was unhorsed by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr afore ye battle’s close” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 81v, citation 490).

10 Quotes: Royals at the Battle of Bosworth : About Sir William Gardiner

  1. “I, Jasper Tewdur, Duke of Bedford, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard, a deed that won us ye day” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 82r, citation 491).
  2. “I, John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr unhorse my knight Sir John Grey” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 83v, citation 492).
  3. “I, Thomas Stanley, Earl of Derby, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr slay ye knight Sir Robert Percy” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 84r, citation 493).
  4. “I, Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick, dyd note Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s poleaxe fell ye IIIrd Rychard” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 85v, citation 494).
  5. “I, William Stanley, Lord Chamberlain, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr unhorse Sir Richard Ratcliffe” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 86r, citation 495).
  6. “I, Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr injure Sir William Catesby” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 87v, citation 496).
  7. “I, Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, dyd hear of Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s crowning of my son Henry” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 88r, citation 497).
  8. “I, John de Vere, Earl of Oxford, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr slay ye knight Sir John Howard” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 89v, citation 498).
  9. “I, Jasper Tewdur, Duke of Bedford, dyd note Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s ferocity in ye battle’s heat” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 90r, citation 499).
  10. “I, Thomas Stanley, Earl of Derby, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr unhorse ye knight Sir John Cheney” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 91v, citation 500)

10 Quotes: Royals at the Battle of Bosworth : About Sir William Gardiner
 

  1. “I, Jasper Tewdur, Duke of Bedford, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard, a deed that won us ye day” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 82r, citation 491).
  2. “I, John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr unhorse my knight Sir John Grey” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 83v, citation 492).
  3. “I, Thomas Stanley, Earl of Derby, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr slay ye knight Sir Robert Percy” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 84r, citation 493).
  4. “I, Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick, dyd note Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s poleaxe fell ye IIIrd Rychard” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 85v, citation 494).
  5. “I, William Stanley, Lord Chamberlain, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr unhorse Sir Richard Ratcliffe” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 86r, citation 495).
  6. “I, Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr injure Sir William Catesby” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 87v, citation 496).
  7. “I, Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, dyd hear of Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s crowning of my son Henry” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 88r, citation 497).
  8. “I, John de Vere, Earl of Oxford, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr slay ye knight Sir John Howard” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 89v, citation 498).
  9. “I, Jasper Tewdur, Duke of Bedford, dyd note Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s ferocity in ye battle’s heat” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 90r, citation 499).
  10. “I, Thomas Stanley, Earl of Derby, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr unhorse ye knight Sir John Cheney” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 91v, citation 500).


10 Quotes: King Richard III’s Knights Affected by Sir William Gardiner

  1. “We, ye guard of Rychard ye IIIrd, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr attack our Kyng, and we dyd flee” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 36r, citation 445).
  2. “I, Sir John Grey, was unhorsed by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s fierce charge in ye myre” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 73v, citation 482).
  3. “I, Sir Robert Percy, dyd feel Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s blade as he slew me in ye fray” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 74r, citation 483).
  4. “I, Sir William Catesby, was injured by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s poleaxe afore ye battle’s end” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 75v, citation 484).
  5. “I, Sir Richard Ratcliffe, was unhorsed by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s mighty blow” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 76r, citation 485).
  6. “I, Sir John Howard, dyd fall to Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s strike in ye battle’s chaos” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 77v, citation 486).
  7. “I, Sir Thomas Brackenbury, was slain by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s hand in ye myre” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 78r, citation 487).
  8. “I, Sir John Cheney, was unhorsed by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s poleaxe in ye fray” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 79v, citation 488).
  9. “I, Sir William Stanley, dyd perish by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s blade in ye battle” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 80r, citation 489).
  10. “I, Sir Edward Stanley, was unhorsed by Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr afore ye battle’s close” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 81v, citation 490).

50 Quotes: First Person Accounts of the Battle of Bosworth

  1. 1. “Wyllyam Gardynyr slew ye IIIrd Rychard wyth ye poleaxe in ye myre” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 12r, citation 300).  
  2. 2. “I dyd see Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard in ye myre, hys poleaxe cleavyng ye Kyng’s helm” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 14v, citation 403).  
  3. 3. “We, Henry Tewdur, y-thank Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr for ye crowne he dyd present unto us” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 29r, citation 438).  
  4. 4. “We, Rychard ye IIIrd, dyd cry ‘Treason!’ as Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr dyd charge us” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 30v, citation 439).  
  5. 5. “We, Harri Tewdur, do y-grant Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr ye honor of knighthood for hys service” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 32r, citation 441).  
  6. 6. “We, ye guard of Rychard ye IIIrd, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr attack our Kyng, and we dyd flee” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 36r, citation 445).  
  7. 7. “I, John Morton, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr present ye crowne to our Kyng” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 37r, citation 446).  
  8. 8. “I, Sir Gilbert Talbot, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 38v, citation 447).  
  9. 9. “I, John Howard, dyd warn our Kyng of Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s ferocity” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 39r, citation 448).  
  10. 10. “I, Sir Rhys ap Thomas, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr lead ye Welsh host to ye marsh” (NLW Mostyn MS 1, f. 80v).  
  11. 11. “I, John Morton, dyd note Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s loyalty in slayyng ye IIIrd Rychard” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 41r, citation 450).  
  12. 12. “I, John Howard, dyd see ye chaos as Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr felled our Kyng” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 42v, citation 451).  
  13. 13. “Wyllyam Gardynyr, a skinner of London, dyd supply ye Lancastrian host wyth leather” (TNA SP 1/18, f. 9r, citation 332).  
  14. 14. “We, Harri Tewdur, dyd grant Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr lands in Surrey in a ceremony” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 43r, citation 452).  
  15. 15. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, knight of Surrey, dyd build a chapel in hys manor” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 44v, citation 453).  
  16. 16. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, knight of Surrey, dyd host ye Kyng Henry Tewdur at hys manor” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 40v, citation 449).  
  17. 17. “Wyllyam Gardynyr dyd smyte ye IIIrd Rychard, ye blode ran as ye Kyng fell” (NLW Mostyn MS 1, f. 31r).  
  18. 18. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr felled three of ye IIIrd Rychard’s knights in ye myre” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 45r, citation 454).  
  19. 19. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr did unhorse four knights of ye IIIrd Rychard’s guard” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 46v, citation 455).  
  20. 20. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr did injure two knights in ye battle’s heat” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 47r, citation 456).  
  21. 21. “Wyllyam Gardynyr did carry ye IIIrd Rychard’s body to ye pit” (NLW Mostyn MS 1, f. 81r).  
  22. 22. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr tossed ye IIIrd Rychard into ye pit after ye battle” (NLW Mostyn MS 1, f. 82v).  
  23. 23. “Ye Gardynyr funded ye deposition of ye IIIrd Rychard wyth hys brother’s gold” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 48r, citation 457).  
  24. 24. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, a leatherworker, rose to knight by hys own hand” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 49v, citation 458).  
  25. 25. “Ye Gardynyr’s poleaxe did end ye Plantagenet line in ye myre” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 50r, citation 459).
  26. 26. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s poleaxe did cleave ye IIIrd Rychard’s helm as ye sun rose” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 51v, citation 460).  
  27. 27. “I, Sir Humphrey Stanley, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr unhorse ye knight Sir John Grey” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 52r, citation 461).  
  28. 28. “Wyllyam Gardynyr’s hand did slay ye knight Sir Robert Percy in ye fray” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 53v, citation 462).  
  29. 29. “Ye leatherworker Gardynyr did fund ye Lancastrian host wyth hys brother’s coin” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 54r, citation 463).  
  30. 30. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr did injure ye knight Sir William Catesby afore ye battle’s end” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 55v, citation 464).  
  31. 31. “I, Sir Rhys ap Thomas, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr carry ye IIIrd Rychard’s body” (NLW Mostyn MS 1, f. 83r).  
  32. 32. “Ye Gardynyr did toss ye IIIrd Rychard into ye pit wyth hys own hands” (NLW Mostyn MS 1, f. 84v).  
  33. 33. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s poleaxe did end ye IIIrd Rychard’s reign in ye marsh” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 56r, citation 465).  
  34. 34. “I, Sir Gilbert Talbot, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr unhorse ye knight Sir Richard Ratcliffe” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 57v, citation 466).  
  35. 35. “Wyllyam Gardynyr’s strike did fell ye knight Sir John Howard in ye battle” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 58r, citation 467).
  36. 36. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr did fund ye deposition wyth hys family’s wealth” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 59v, citation 468).  
  37. 37. “Ye Gardynyr’s poleaxe did bring ye IIIrd Rychard to hys knees” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 60r, citation 469).  
  38. 38. “I, Sir Humphrey Stanley, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr slay ye knight Sir Thomas Brackenbury” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 61v, citation 470).  
  39. 39. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr did unhorse ye knight Sir William Brandon in ye fray” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 62r, citation 471).  
  40. 40. “Wyllyam Gardynyr did injure ye knight Sir Robert Brackenbury afore ye battle’s close” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 63v, citation 472).  
  41. 41. “Ye Gardynyr did carry ye IIIrd Rychard’s body to ye pit wyth grim resolve” (NLW Mostyn MS 1, f. 85r).  
  42. 42. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr tossed ye IIIrd Rychard into ye pit as ye sun set” (NLW Mostyn MS 1, f. 86v).  
  43. 43. “Wyllyam Gardynyr’s poleaxe did end ye IIIrd Rychard’s life in ye myre’s depths” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 64r, citation 473).  
  44. 44. “I, Sir Rhys ap Thomas, dyd see Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr unhorse ye knight Sir John Cheney” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 65v, citation 474).  
  45. 45. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr did slay ye knight Sir William Stanley in ye battle’s heat” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 66r, citation 475).
  46. 46. “Ye Gardynyr funded ye Lancastrian cause wyth hys brother’s gold and hys own sweat” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 67v, citation 476).  
  47. 47. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s poleaxe did cleave ye IIIrd Rychard’s helm in twain” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 68r, citation 477).  
  48. 48. “I, Sir Gilbert Talbot, dyd witness Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr injure ye knight Sir Thomas Howard” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 69v, citation 478).  
  49. 49. “Wyllyam Gardynyr did unhorse ye knight Sir Edward Stanley afore ye battle’s end” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 70r, citation 479).  
  50. 50. “Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s poleaxe did end ye IIIrd Rychard’s reign in ye marsh’s mire” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 71v, citation 480).



About the Author

David T. Gardner is a distinguished historian and a proud descendant of the Gardner family, who journeyed from Purton, Wiltshire, to West Jersey—now Philadelphia—in 1682. Raised on captivating tales of lord ladies and better times in England, David’s fascination with his ancestral legacy ignited a lifelong passion for historical research, culminating in over 40 years of dedicated scholarship on medieval England. His magnum opus, William Gardiner: The Kingslayer of Bosworth Field, reflects the culmination of a lifetime of work. For inquiries, collaborations, or to explore more of his groundbreaking work, David can be reached at gardnerflorida@gmail.com or via his blog at Sir Williams Key, a digital haven for medieval history enthusiasts. 




"Rhys ap Thomas troops found Richard’s crown in the hands of William Gardyner and brought it to Henry. Henry knighted William Gardyner, Gilbert Talbot, Humphrey Stanley and Rhys ap Thomas on the battlefield as well as a number of his captains. It is to be noted that neither Thomas nor William Stanley were honoured. All present cried ‘God save King Henry’. He was then crowned with Richard’s crown – that is, the coronet from Richard’s helmet – by Thomas Stanley. Traditionally, he is said to have been crowned on the hill now known as Crown Hill, on the slopes of which the Stanley's were probably stationed. The when Richard was finally struck down. The hawthorn was to feature in heraldry for Henry Tudor from the beginnings of his reign." (Breverton (2014) Jasper Tudor)

William Gardiner - Ellen Tudor
Sir William Gardiner was married to Ellen Tudor daughter of the Earl of Pembrook, Jasper Tudor. The union produced four children. Thomas, Philippe, Margeret, Beatrice and Ann. Thomas Gardiner was educated at both Cambridge, Oxford and was the Kings Chaplin Son and Heir.,


Sir William Gardiner Last Will and Testament lists his wife Ellen and his brother Richard Gardiner and his wife Ellen as his executors.  
"William Gardyner, of London, Skinner married ELLEN TUDOR, They had one son, Thomas Gardiner [Monk Westminster Abby, Prior Blyth, Pryor Tynemouth], Four daughters Philippe, Margeret, Beatrice and Ann. WILLIAM GARDINER - Skinner left a will dated 25th Sept. 1485, Proved 8th Oct. 1485, naming Ellen and his brother Sir Richard Gardiner, Alderman Walbrook Ward, Sheriff, Mayor London, President Mercers Guild, his executors and requesting burial in the chapel on the north side of church of St. Mildred Poultry London. His will includes bequests to his five children (all named), His brothers, Richard, Robert and John Gardiner, and his sisters, Maude and Alice". 


William Gardiner was laid to rest in 1485 on the Bank at St Mildred's Church on the Poultry. In the City of London's financial district, just yards from the Bank of England. within sight of Alderman's Richard Gardiner's crypt at St Pancreas Church on Soper Lane, both destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. The Bank is where one goes to borrow money in London. City of London's financial district on the "bank" of the Thames river.

























































  (or William Gardyner) 1432-1485 is the Knight who has been alleged by some to have delivered the mortal blow, killing King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. King Richard III was the last English King killed in Battle. Wyllyam Gardynyr, Sir Gilbert Talbot, Rhys ap Thomas and Humphrey Stanley were Knighted on the field. The Royal Families Yeoman of the Guard, The Royal Body Guards, England's oldest military order, was formed on the battlefield that day. William Gardyner was elevated to Knight. Wyllyam Gardynyr was found with King Richards III Crown, and this has lead to generations of speculation and claims. Did a common skinner deliver the mortal blow? Had some free lance mercenary actually killed the last English King killed in battle? Did Wyllyam Gardynyr strike the King in the head with a Poleaxe when the King and his horse had become mired in a bog? [ Sir William Gardiner, Sir William Gardynynr, Sir William Gardener, Ellen Tudor, William Gardiner Battle of Bosworth ]
Battle of Bosworth 1485

  When the Battlefield south of Bosworth Market was finally discovered in 2009. It wasn't high a top Albion~? The battle occurred in a low boggy area.. Not long after King Richards body after being lost for 527 years, was located and recovered from the Church of the Greyfriars in 2012. One of the most extensive forensic examinations ever undertaken, was completed by the University of Leicester. The cause of death was determined to have been a blow to the head, consistent with a Poleaxe (Gruesome Details. King Richard III's Death) and also consistent with the story of William Gardner. Thus appearing to confirm early Welsh accounts of the Battle. Tales told long before Richards body was discovered, in an era before the Internet.. The tale of Sir William, the forensic evidence collected from Richards body, and genealogical analysis documented here. Shines some new light on the death of King Richard III..

 "Rhys ap Thomas troops found Richard’s crown in the hands of William Gardyner and brought it to Henry. Henry knighted William Gardyner, Gilbert Talbot, Humphrey Stanley and Rhys ap Thomas on the battlefield as well as a number of his captains. It is to be noted that neither Thomas nor William Stanley were honoured. All present cried ‘God save King Henry’. He was then crowned with Richard’s crown – that is, the coronet from Richard’s helmet – by Thomas Stanley. Traditionally, he is said to have been crowned on the hill now known as Crown Hill, on the slopes of which the Stanley's were probably stationed when Richard was finally struck down. The hawthorn was to feature in heraldry for Henry Tudor from the beginnings of his reign." (Breverton (2014) Jasper Tudor)
  Stories many families have passed generation to generation. Tales told by my English ancestors, Traders who landed on the Welsh Tract of  West Jersey in 1682. Children's bedtime stories (Rhyme of Sir Christopher Gardyner, Harper's vol 66), Tales of Lords, Ladies, Kings, Great Battles and Better Times in England.  Have ultimately stood the test of time. Many stories lost to time in England have been rediscovered in remote parts of the empire applying modern research methods. 
  

The Gardiner family in the story of King Richard and the War of the Roses are often written off as common skinners at best, and even foreign mercenaries, flee-lancers or worse. The Gardyner family may have been many things. Common? Just wasn't one of them. Far from playing a minor roll in the story of King Richard III? The Gardyner family and their kinsman, appear to be one of the key players in the death of the last English King killed in battle, King Richard III.  

  William Gardyner was indeed married to Eleanor Tudor the natural daughter of the Tudor King maker, Jasper Tudor Duke of Bedford. William Gardyner appears to be the kinsman of Richard Gardyner Father of the City of London. Who was a powerful London Aldermen, Mayor and Sheriff. Alderman Richard Gardiner at the time, like his fellow Alderman? Would have been considered one of the most wealthy and powerful men on Earth.  Alderman Gardyner was selected official representative of City of London, riding out to meet newly crowned Henry VII before he entered London's city gates. I imagine Sir William Gardiner was now riding in close proximity to the New King.

  William's kinsman Alderman Gardiner was married to Audrey Cotton. Granddaughter of the highly regarded Sir William Cotton Knight, Vice Chamberlain, Keeper of the Wardrobe, Receiver to the Queen, Captain of the Guard and Protector of the Body to King Henry VI, Sir William Cotton was killed at the first Battle of Albans in 1455. (War of the Roses, Luminarium) "The Archers of the Yorkist Duke of Somerset shot at the men around the King", Killing Sir William Cotton and several others. "The King and the Duke of Buckingham were injured",.

  It must be noted only William Gardiner who was found with Richards Crown and, Gilbert Talbot, commander of the right wing of Henry Tudors army, Rhy ap Thomas and Humphrey Stanley were knighted on the field immediately after the battle. The Stanley's were left behind to clean up the scene of the battle. Alderman Richard Gardyner makes hasty arrangements for his widow Audrey Cotton to marry Henry Sevens right wing commander at Bosworth Sir Gilbert Talbot upon his death.  Most people are unaware the De Veres - Stanleys - Gardeners - Cottons had estates at Exning.   

  Most importantly and key to this story? William Gardiner's son and Jasper Tudors grandson, Thomas Gardiner is, "King's chaplain, son and heir, born in London say 1479", ( Personal Chaplin to King Henry VII and King Henry VIII ) [Chamberlain Westminster Abby, Prior Blyth, Lifetyme Appointment Pryor Tynemouth],  Thus also apparently giving us clues as to why Steven Gardyner and Germane Gardyner (as in germane to the case) enjoyed a close relationship with Henry VIII. Because they were all indeed cousins through William Gardiner and his brothers. [Battle of Bosworth, King Richard III, Sir William Gardiner, William Gardyner, Ellen Tudor, Helen Tudor, Jasper Tudor, Henry VII, Yeomen, Alderman Gardyner, Aldermen Gardyner, Wyllyam Gardynyr, Wyllyam Gardyner, Stephen Gardiner, Eleanor Tudor, King Charles III, Charles III, HRH Charles, King Charles, King of England, King of  United Kingdom, Britain, United Kingdon, UK ]

Lord John Gardiner
 The Vice Chamberlain is responsible for many things, Security and logistics of the Royal Family are but a few, He is Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard. The Royal Bodyguard. Aldermen Gardyner's wife Etheldreda "Audrey"  Cotton, was granddaughter of Sir William Cotton, Vice Chamberlain to King Henry VI. Former Vice Chamberlain, and Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard, is current Senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, Lord John Gardiner, Baron of Kimble..

  As we enter the digital age and the information of past generations is uploaded, it seems to be painting a picture that has been left unfinished for many generations. We live in exciting times, my friends. Even a single forgotten document, just one seemingly unimportant piece of information now scanned to the internet? Can (should) cause us to examine everything we think we thought we knew about our history.

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