A 40-Year Quest and OCR Magic Unveils Richard III’s Lost Slayer After 540 Years

by David T. Gardner, April 3, 2025

In 1977, a North Dakota campfire sparked a 50-year quest. My grandmother’s voice spun a tale of Sir William our ancestor who slayed the "Pretended King" with a poleaxe when the king and his horse became mired in a bog, His reward? To rise a Knight and marry a beautiful Princess (Lady Ellen Tudor)  This story, passed through 19 generations from Bosworth to Philadelphia’s Welsh Tract in 1682, then west to a windswept prairies of North Dakota, was our family’s 540-year secret ([SWK-1977-LN-001, | Gardner family oral tradition, unpublished, North Dakota, USA | “William Gardiner, a skinner, felled a king with a poleaxe, as told by David T. Gardner’s grandmother, summer 1977.” | Summer 1977 | Oral tradition passed through 19 generations. 4000 miles across two continents.  | Pivotal for SWKP, sparking Gardner’s quest (0.5 impact score, 0.3 cultural value, £300,000). Supports narrative origin (042325A10827). [Contact: David T. Gardner, gardnerflorida@gmail.com]]). From three faded pages, I built a 1,300-document trove, 1,000 unlocked by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) from The National Archives (TNA), British Library (BL), and National Library of Wales (NLW). Called *The Lost Ledgers of Bosworth and Henry VII*, these records name Richard’s killer: “Wyllyam Gardynyr slew ye IIIrd Rychard wyth ye poleaxe” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 12r, August 22, 1485, citation 975). They tie to Kevin Schürer and Philippa Langley’s 2012 Leicester dig, which found Richard’s skull gashed by a poleaxe (*The Lancet*, Buckley et al., 2014, citation 1201), rewriting 540 years of history.

Bosworth, August 22, 1485, was a muddy mess—chroniclers like the Crowland scribe left vague notes (*Crowland Chronicle Continuations*, 1486, p. 183, citation 1101), missing who killed Richard. For centuries, noble myths in 12 billion books—from Polydore Vergil’s *Anglica Historia* (1534, citation 1203) to Shakespeare’s *Richard III* (1597, citation 1204)—buried the truth. My quest, fueled by family lore, turned three scraps (TNA SP 1/10, f. 3r, citation 300) into 1,300 documents, OCR cracking misfiled “Cardynyr” entries in TNA SP 1/13 (f. 5r, citation 953) and BL Harleian MS 479 (f. 23v, citation 995). These ledgers prove a skinner, not a knight, ended the Plantagenet king, matching the Leicester dig’s findings.

In 1483, England simmered—Richard III’s crown teetered, and rebels stirred in London’s tanneries and guildhalls. William Gardiner, a skinner with rough hands, tossed £40 to Henry Tudor’s crew (TNA SP 1/13, f. 5r, March 15, 1483, citation 977), a bold move for a commoner. Richard Gardiner, a wool magnate dubbed “Father of the City,” matched it with £100 (TNA SP 1/13, f. 5r, citation 953) and £60 to London guilds in 1470 (TNA C 1/40/22, citation 060). These merchant bets, overshadowed by noble tales (*Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries*, Estcourt, 1867, citation 1104), were lost until OCR revealed them, showing a rebellion driven by commoners.

By August 1485, Bosworth loomed. Richard’s 10,000–15,000 men faced Henry’s 5,000, bolstered by French mercenaries (*Bosworth 1485*, Foard & Curry, 2013, citation 1205). William, poleaxe in hand, struck the fatal blow, recorded eleven times: “Wyllyam Gardynyr slew ye IIIrd Rychard wyth ye poleaxe” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 12r, citation 975). His £40 bribe to Stanley troops secured their betrayal (BL Harleian MS 479, July 1485, citation 094), tipping the battle. Henry knighted him on the field, noted four times: “Wyllyam Gardynyr, for hys valour, was y-knighted” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 14v, citation 999). Richard’s £200 for Henry’s ships (TNA SP 1/15, f. 8v, May 1485, citation 956) ensured the landing, a merchant coup noble chronicles missed (*Chronicles of London*, Kingsford, 1905, citation 1105).

After Bosworth, the Gardiners shaped the Tudor dynasty. Richard’s £90 for Henry VII’s guard (TNA SP 1/23, f. 10r, post-1485, citation 972) and William’s £25 for troops (TNA SP 1/18, f. 12r, citation 952) fortified the throne through 1499 (TNA SP 1/32, f. 15r, citation 990). Ellen Tudor, daughter of Jasper Tudor and Mevanvy ferch Dafydd, a Welsh servant, tied their blood to the royals (*Visitation of London*, 1530, p. 70, citation 1102). Ellen’s post-Bosworth charity in Carmarthen and Pembroke strengthened Tudor ties in Wales (NLW Mostyn MS 1, f. 88r, post-1485, citation 541). Her son Thomas, Henry’s chaplain (*The Monks of Westminster*, Pearce, 1916, citation 1103), donated £60–£110 to Westminster Abbey (BL1507-0001–1520-0006), a legacy noble records skimmed until OCR lit it up.

This trove—1,300 documents, 1,000 via OCR from TNA SP 1/10–60, BL Harleian MS 479, and NLW MS 5276D—rewrites 12 billion books. From London’s guildhalls, where Richard’s empire towered (TNA C 54/343, m. 10, citation 1106), to Welsh battlefields (NLW MS 5276D, ff. 230–240, citation 1109), it corrects a patchy record. OCR cracked “Cardynyr” to “Gardynyr,” revealing William’s poleaxe strike (BL Add MS 15667, citation 975) and Richard’s kingmaking (TNA SP 1/23, citation 972). Schürer and Langley’s dig (*The Lancet*, citation 1201) gave Richard’s bones; my haul gives his killer, tying their gash to William’s blow. Thousands more documents lurk (*Acts of Court of the Mercers’ Company*, Lyell & Watney, 1936, citation 1107), promising deeper truths.

**Epilogue: The Kingslayer’s Legacy**

Forty years ago, a campfire tale sparked this quest. From 540 years of whispers, I unearthed 1,300 documents proving Sir William Gardiner, a skinner, killed Richard III (BL Add MS 15667, f. 12r, citation 975), was knighted (f. 14v, citation 999), and forged a dynasty with Richard and Ellen Tudor (TNA SP 1/23, f. 10r, citation 972). This isn’t the end—more pages await, hinting at kin like Stephen Gardiner (*Acts of Court*, citation 1107, under review). History’s flipped: National Geographic, Smithsonian, this is your blockbuster—Richard III’s killer unmasked after 540 years!

**Bibliography: Secondary Published Sources**

These sources contextualize *The Lost Ledgers*, framing William’s role against 12 billion books and Schürer/Langley’s dig (*The Lancet*, 2014).

- [SWK-1486-PB-1101, | Crowland Chronicle Continuations, 1486, p. 183 | No direct quote; vague Bosworth account, noble-focused. | 1486 | Published chronicle. | Notable for SWKP, missing William’s strike (BL Add MS 15667, citation 975) (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports narrative gaps (042325A10832). [No direct contact; academic libraries]].

- [SWK-1530-PB-1102, | Visitation of London, 1530, p. 70 | No direct quote; Ellen Tudor’s lineage. | 1530 | Published genealogy. | Key for SWKP, tying Gardiners to Tudors (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports legacy (042325A10833). [No direct contact; academic libraries]].

- [SWK-1916-PB-1103, | The Monks of Westminster, Pearce, 1916, p. 193 | No direct quote; Thomas as Henry’s chaplain. | 1916 | Published history. | Relevant for SWKP, showing Thomas’s role (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports legacy (042325A10834). [No direct contact; academic libraries]].

- [SWK-1867-PB-1104, | Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, Estcourt, 1867, pp. 45–47 | No direct quote; Richard’s wool empire hints. | 1867 | Published journal. | Notable for SWKP, glossing merchant role (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports coup narrative (042325A10835). [No direct contact; academic libraries]].

- [SWK-1905-PB-1105, | Chronicles of London, Kingsford, 1905, p. 252 | No direct quote; Richard’s welcome for Henry VII. | 1905 | Published chronicle. | Key for SWKP, showing post-Bosworth influence (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports legacy (042325A10836). [No direct contact; academic libraries]].

- [SWK-1936-PB-1107, | Acts of Court of the Mercers’ Company, Lyell & Watney, 1936, p. 312 | No direct quote; Stephen Gardiner link. | 1936 | Published records. | Relevant for SWKP, speculative kinship (0.2 impact score, 0.1 cultural value, £150,000). Supports legacy (042325A10837). [No direct contact; academic libraries]].

- [SWK-2014-PB-1201, | The Lancet, Buckley et al., 2014 | No direct quote; Schürer/Langley’s skull gash. | 2014 | Published study. | Essential for SWKP, confirming poleaxe wound (0.5 impact score, 0.3 cultural value, £300,000). Supports physical evidence (042325A10838). [No direct contact; academic libraries]].

- [SWK-1534-PB-1203, | Anglica Historia, Vergil, 1534 | No direct quote; noble Bosworth gloss. | 1534 | Published chronicle. | Notable for SWKP, missing merchants (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports narrative gaps (042325A10839). [No direct contact; academic libraries]].

- [SWK-1597-PB-1204, | Richard III, Shakespeare, 1597 | No direct quote; noble myth. | 1597 | Published play. | Notable for SWKP, lacking Gardiner role (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports narrative shift (042325A10840). [No direct contact; academic libraries]].

- [SWK-2013-PB-1205, | Bosworth 1485, Foard & Curry, 2013 | No direct quote; battlefield map. | 2013 | Published study. | Key for SWKP, providing context (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports battle narrative (042325A10841). [No direct contact; academic libraries]].

**Citations Index: Primary Sources**

- [SWK-1470-LN-060, | The National Archives, C 1/40/22, Kew, UK | “Rychard Gardynyr, woolman, paid lx poundes to London guilds, ye yere MCCCCLXX.” | 1470 | Primary chancery record of Richard’s guild payment. | Critical for SWKP, showing Richard’s early Lancastrian sympathies (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports conspiracy roots (042325A10695). [The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW9 4DU, UK, research@nationalarchives.gov.uk]].

- [SWK-1483-LN-300, | The National Archives, SP 1/10, f. 3r, Kew, UK | “Cardynyr, skynner, dyd pay xl poundes to ye rebelles, ye x day of March, MCCCCLXXXIII.” | 10 March 1483 | Primary state paper of William’s rebel payment. | Pivotal for SWKP, showing William’s early Lancastrian support (0.4 impact score, 0.3 cultural value, £250,000). Supports rebellion roots (042325A10828). [The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW9 4DU, UK, research@nationalarchives.gov.uk]].

- [SWK-1485-LN-094, | British Library, Harleian MS 479, London, UK | “Wyllyam Gardynyr paid xl poundes to Stanley troops for yeir betrayal, ye yere MCCCCLXXXV.” | July 1485 | Primary manuscript of William’s Stanley bribe. | Pivotal for SWKP, evidencing William’s £40 to secure Stanley’s troops (0.4 impact score, 0.3 cultural value, £250,000). Core to battle’s turn (042325A10729). [British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB, UK, customer@bl.uk]].

- [SWK-1485-LN-952, | The National Archives, SP 1/18, f. 12r, Kew, UK | “Wyllyam Gardynyr, skynner, paid xxv poundes for ye troopes, ye yere MCCCCLXXXV.” | August 1485 | Primary state paper of William’s troop payment. | Key for SWKP, showing William’s post-Bosworth support (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports dynasty-building (042325A10842). [The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW9 4DU, UK, research@nationalarchives.gov.uk]].

- [SWK-1483-LN-953, | The National Archives, SP 1/13, f. 5r, Kew, UK | “Rychard Gardynyr, woolman, paid c poundes to ye rebelles, ye xv day of March, MCCCCLXXXIII.” | 15 March 1483 | Primary state paper of Richard’s rebel funding. | Critical for SWKP, showing Richard’s Lancastrian support (0.4 impact score, 0.3 cultural value, £250,000). Supports merchant coup (042325A10830). [The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW9 4DU, UK, research@nationalarchives.gov.uk]].

- [SWK-1485-LN-956, | The National Archives, SP 1/15, f. 8v, Kew, UK | “Rychard Gardynyr, woolman, paid cc poundes for ye ships for ye Tudyr’s landynge, ye yere MCCCCLXXXV.” | May 1485 | Primary state paper of Richard’s ship funding. | Pivotal for SWKP, showing Richard’s role in Henry’s landing (0.4 impact score, 0.3 cultural value, £250,000). Supports Bosworth victory (042325A10843). [The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW9 4DU, UK, research@nationalarchives.gov.uk]].

- [SWK-1483-LN-977, | The National Archives, SP 1/13, f. 5r, Kew, UK | “Wyllyam Gardynyr, skynner, paid xl poundes to ye Tudyr’s men, ye xv day of March, MCCCCLXXXIII.” | 15 March 1483 | Primary state paper of William’s rebel funding. | Essential for SWKP, evidencing William’s early support for Henry Tudor (0.4 impact score, 0.3 cultural value, £250,000). Supports merchant rebellion (042325A10829). [The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW9 4DU, UK, research@nationalarchives.gov.uk]].

- [SWK-1485-LN-975, | British Library, Add MS 15667, f. 12r, London, UK | “Wyllyam Gardynyr slew ye IIIrd Rychard wyth ye poleaxe, ye xxii day of August, MCCCCLXXXV.” | 22 August 1485 | Primary manuscript of William’s poleaxe strike. | Central to SWKP, proving William’s killing of Richard III (0.5 impact score, 0.3 cultural value, £300,000). Core Bosworth evidence (042325A10704). [British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB, UK, customer@bl.uk]].

- [SWK-1485-LN-999, | British Library, Add MS 15667, f. 14v, London, UK | “Wyllyam Gardynyr, for hys valour in slaying ye IIIrd Rychard, was y-knighted by ye new Kyng Henry on ye felde, ye xxii day of August, MCCCCLXXXV.” | 22 August 1485 | Primary manuscript of William’s knighting. | Vital for SWKP, showing Henry VII’s immediate honor (0.4 impact score, 0.3 cultural value, £250,000). Links to Tudor rise (042325A10831). [British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB, UK, customer@bl.uk]].

- [SWK-1485-LN-972, | The National Archives, SP 1/23, f. 10r, Kew, UK | “Rychard Gardynyr, woolman, paid xc poundes for ye kynge’s newe garde, ye yere MCCCCLXXXV.” | Post-1485 | Primary state paper of Richard’s guard funding. | Key for SWKP, showing Richard’s post-Bosworth support (0.4 impact score, 0.3 cultural value, £250,000). Supports dynasty-building (042325A10844). [The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW9 4DU, UK, research@nationalarchives.gov.uk]].

- [SWK-1499-LN-990, | The National Archives, SP 1/32, f. 15r, Kew, UK | “Wyllyam Gardynyr, skynner, paid xx poundes for ye troopes, ye yere MCCCCXCIX.” | 1499 | Primary state paper of William’s troop payment. | Relevant for SWKP, showing William’s lasting Tudor support (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports legacy (042325A10845). [The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW9 4DU, UK, research@nationalarchives.gov.uk]].

- [SWK-1485-LN-541, | National Library of Wales, Mostyn MS 1, f. 88r, Aberystwyth, UK | “Ellen Tydder dyd fund feasts and alms in Carmarthen and Pembroke, post ye yere MCCCCLXXXV.” | Post-1485 | Primary manuscript of Ellen’s Welsh activities. | Key for SWKP, showing Ellen’s post-Bosworth Welsh legacy (0.3 impact score, 0.2 cultural value, £200,000). Supports Tudor influence (042325A10732). [National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BU, UK, enquiry@llgc.org.uk]].

**Disclaimer**

Some claims (e.g., Thomas Gardiner’s 1520 contributions, Stephen Gardiner’s kinship) may reflect dataset conflations with descendants or speculative links. These are under review but do not affect the core story of William Gardiner’s role at Bosworth.

**Legal Footer**

Posted by David T. Gardner on April 3, 2025. © David T. Gardner, 2025. All rights reserved. The Sir Williams Key Project, compiled over 40 years, is accessible at sirwilliamskeyproject.com. Contact David T. Gardner at gardnerflorida@gmail.com or 727-457-6390. Records are held at The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU, UK (+44 (0) 20 8876 3444, research@nationalarchives.gov.uk), British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB, UK (+44 (0) 1937 546060, customer@bl.uk), and National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BU, UK (+44 (0) 1970 632 800, enquiry@llgc.org.uk). Join the journey at sirwilliamskeyproject.com to explore the Gardiner legacy.