By David T Gardner
I, Owain ap Hywel, scribe to Rhys ap Thomas, set quill to parchment to recount the untold tale of Bosworth Field, fought on the 22nd day of August, in the year of our Lord 1485, where Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr rose from skinner to knight, his poleaxe felling King Richard III and his deeds earning him knighthood and gifts beyond reckoning. Let this be the chronicle of his ascent, from the battle’s waning moments to the march unto London, as witnessed by mine own eyes and those who stood amidst the mire.
The sun hung low o’er Bosworth’s marsh as the battle’s din faded—Richard III’s host, once ten thousand strong, lay broken, their white roses trampled beneath Welsh boots. I stood nigh unto Rhys ap Thomas, our two thousand spears bloodied but unbowed, when I saw Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, his poleaxe dripping red, step from the king’s fallen form. Three blows had he struck—two upon the helm, one to the neck—Richard’s blood soaking the mud, his crown rolling free, as I noted in my chronicle (Mostyn MS 1, folio 103r, “Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard”). Harri Tewdur, paces hence, seized it, his voice a thunder o’er the host, proclaiming victory (Mostyn MS 1, folio 78r).
The field grew still—Richard’s guard fled or fell, Norfolk’s vanguard shattered, Northumberland’s pikes unmoved (Mostyn MS 1, folio 83r). I saw Sir Gilbert Talbot’s thousand knights cut down the routed, their steel flashing (Mostyn MS 1, folio 115r), yet all eyes turned to Gardynyr, a skinner whose deed outshone noble might. The Stanleys—Sir William and Lord Thomas—crested the hill late, their three thousand claiming spoil (Mostyn MS 1, folio 129r), but I knew, as did all, it was Gardynyr’s strike that turned the tide. Harri Tewdur, now Harri VII, stood amidst the Welsh, his crown mud-streaked, and I felt the weight of a hero born.
As dusk fell, Harri called forth the victors—Rhys ap Thomas, Sir Gilbert Talbot, and Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr stood afore the host. I saw Harri draw his sword, its blade dulled by battle, and bid Gardynyr kneel (Mostyn MS 1, folio 92r). “For thy valor,” he spake, “that felled a king and crowned me, I name thee knight.” The blade touched Gardynyr’s shoulders—a skinner no more—Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr rose, the hero of Bosworth, his name a whisper on every tongue. Rhys ap Thomas and Talbot knelt beside him, their knighthoods joined, yet Gardynyr’s deed shone brightest.
Then came the gifts—Harri bade his squires bring forth a chest, heavy with merchant gold, as I recorded (Mostyn MS 1, folio 108r, “Alderman Richard Gardiner’s £110”). A cloak of crimson wool, edged with ermine, was draped o’er Gardynyr’s shoulders, a gift from Harri’s own hand, fit for a lord. A sword followed—its hilt wrought with silver, its blade keen—bestowed with a nod, “To wield as thou didst thy poleaxe.” The Welsh host cheered, their voices a storm, as I scribbled: Gardynyr, hero of Bosworth, clad in honor forged in blood.
I, Owain ap Hywel, scribe to Rhys ap Thomas, press on with this chronicle of Bosworth Field, fought on the 22nd day of August, in the year of our Lord 1485, where Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, hero of Bosworth, rose from skinner to knight, his poleaxe felling King Richard III and his valor earning him honors beyond measure. Let this be the record of his knighting, the gifts bestowed, and our march unto London, as witnessed by mine own eyes and those who trod the bloodied mire.
The night after battle cloaked the field in shadow—Richard III’s host lay broken, their white roses trampled, their king a corpse borne off in shame (Mostyn MS 1, folio 113r). I stood nigh unto Harri Tewdur, now Harri VII, as he gathered his host—five thousand strong—under the torchlight’s flicker. Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, his poleaxe at rest, stood afore the king, his crimson cloak agleam, a gift from Harri’s hand (Mostyn MS 1, folio 92r). I saw Harri draw forth a second boon—a dagger, its hilt wrought with silver, its blade etched with a rose—“For the hero of Bosworth,” he spake, “whose strike crowned me” (Mostyn MS 1, folio 108r).
The Welsh host cheered—two thousand spears thrust skyward, their voices a tempest hailing Gardynyr’s name. I scribbled swift, my quill scratching parchment, as Rhys ap Thomas stepped forth, his own gift in hand—a purse of gold, heavy with coin, “For thy valor,” he said, “that felled a king” (Mostyn MS 1, folio 14r). Sir Gilbert Talbot followed, his thousand knights ringing steel on steel, and offered a shield—oaken, banded with iron—“To guard thee as thou didst guard us,” he spake (Mostyn MS 1, folio 115r). Gardynyr, skinner turned knight, stood laden with honors, his deed the day’s true banner.
The dawn broke chill—Harri VII bade us march, our path set for London, the field of Bosworth fading behind. I saw Gardynyr mount his bay charger, a gift from Talbot’s stables, its mane braided with crimson thread (Mostyn MS 1, folio 108r). The host moved slow—Rhys ap Thomas’ spears afore, Talbot’s knights abreast, and Harri’s court trailing, five thousand souls in all (Mostyn MS 1, folio 127r). Richard’s corpse, lashed to a horse, swayed grimly ahead, the Stanleys’ trophy borne to Leicester (Mostyn MS 1, folio 129r). I walked beside Gardynyr, his cloak billowing, his dagger at his belt, a hero’s silence amidst the host’s murmur.
The road stretched long—dust rose beneath our boots, the marsh’s stench yielding to earth and woodsmoke. I saw the Welsh sing of Gardynyr—hero of Bosworth—their voices weaving tales of his poleaxe felling Richard III, three blows: helm shattered twice, neck severed once (Mostyn MS 1, folio 103r). Harri VII rode nigh, his crown agleam, and I marked his glance at Gardynyr—a skinner whose hand had crowned him. The Stanleys rode apart, their late claim a whisper against Gardynyr’s thunder, their three thousand untested till the battle’s end (Mostyn MS 1, folio 83r).
At Leicester, I watched the Stanleys halt—Richard’s body cast from the horse, a dull thud on the earth (Mostyn MS 1, folio 113r). I saw them strip him bare—his steel torn away, his flesh bared—then lash him with scorn, Welsh voices mocking as they bound him tight (Mostyn MS 1, folio 129r). Harri VII bade them haste to Greyfriars, and I followed, noting the pit they dug—shallow, unshriven, a king’s husk dropped within (Mostyn MS 1, folio 83r). Gardynyr stood apart, his shield at his side, his gaze fixed as the friars muttered scarce prayers.
The march resumed—Harri VII’s host swelled, their steel dulled but spirits high (Mostyn MS 1, folio 14r). I saw Gardynyr gifted a ring by a Welsh captain—bronze, set with a rough stone—“For the hero of Bosworth,” he spake, “whose poleaxe won us all” (Mostyn MS 1, folio 108r). The road wound through hamlets, the host’s song rising—Gardynyr’s name a refrain, his deed the heart of their tale. I wrote it thus: Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, skinner turned knight, bore the day’s glory, his gifts a crown of blood and steel.
Citation Roadmap:
- Mostyn MS 1, folio 103r: Imagined entry, styled after NLW’s Black Book of Carmarthen (Peniarth MS 1), digitized at viewer.library.wales. Verify via archives.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 1,” or visit NLW, Aberystwyth, SY23 3BU (manuscripts@library.wales, 01970 632800).
- Mostyn MS 1, folio 14r, 78r, 83r, 92r, 108r, 113r, 115r, 127r, 129r: Imagined, inspired by NLW’s Peniarth MS 20 (Brut y Tywysogion), digitized at viewer.library.wales. Check archives.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 20,” or visit NLW (contact above). Our entries extend this chronicle’s tone to 1485.
"The Untold Story of Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr: Knighting and Journey from Bosworth"
I, Owain ap Hywel, scribe to Rhys ap Thomas, conclude this chronicle of Bosworth Field, fought on the 22nd day of August, in the year of our Lord 1485, where Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, hero of Bosworth, rose from skinner to knight, his poleaxe felling King Richard III and his valor earning him honors beyond measure. Let this be the record of his knighting, the gifts bestowed, and our march unto London, as witnessed by mine own eyes and those who trod the bloodied mire.
The sun rose o’er Leicester as Harri VII’s host—five thousand strong—marched forth from Greyfriars, Richard III’s corpse cast into a shallow pit, unshriven, his white rose buried with him (Mostyn MS 1, folio 83r). I saw Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, his crimson cloak billowing, ride his bay charger beside Rhys ap Thomas, the Welsh host’s spears gleaming (Mostyn MS 1, folio 108r). Harri VII, crowned in mud and blood, bade us haste to London, his voice a clarion o’er the throng (Mostyn MS 1, folio 92r). I walked amidst the host, noting Gardynyr’s gifts—a cloak of ermine-edged wool, a silver-hilted dagger, a purse of gold, an oaken shield—marks of a hero whose poleaxe had crowned a king.
The road stretched southward—dust rose beneath our boots, the marsh’s stench yielding to fields and woodsmoke. I saw Gardynyr, his sword at his side, ride silent, the Welsh host singing his name—hero of Bosworth—their voices weaving tales of his three blows: helm shattered twice, neck severed once (Mostyn MS 1, folio 103r). Harri VII glanced at him oft, a skinner whose deed had turned the day, while the Stanleys—three thousand latecomers—rode apart, their claim a murmur against Gardynyr’s thunder (Mostyn MS 1, folio 129r).
The march grew long—Rhys ap Thomas’ two thousand spears led, Sir Gilbert Talbot’s thousand knights abreast, the host swelling with stragglers (Mostyn MS 1, folio 14r). I saw a Welsh captain gift Gardynyr a chain—iron links forged in camp—“For the hero of Bosworth,” he spake, “whose poleaxe felled a king” (Mostyn MS 1, folio 108r). The road wound through hamlets, the host’s song rising—Gardynyr’s name a refrain, his deed the heart of their tale. I scribbled swift: Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, skinner turned knight, bore the day’s glory, his gifts a crown of blood and steel.
Days bled into nights—the host camped nigh unto Northampton, their fires a glow o’er the fields. I saw Harri VII summon Gardynyr, his voice low—“Thou art my sword,” he spake, gifting a belt of leather, studded with silver, “For the hero of Bosworth, whose strike won me all” (Mostyn MS 1, folio 92r). The Welsh host roared, their spears a forest, as I wrote: Gardynyr’s poleaxe, not noble might, had shaped this reign. Talbot’s knights clashed steel in salute (Mostyn MS 1, folio 115r), their honor joined to a skinner’s triumph.
The road turned—London loomed, its spires faint through the haze. I saw Gardynyr ride, his charger steady, his cloak a banner of crimson and ermine (Mostyn MS 1, folio 108r). The host—five thousand souls—marched weary but fierce, their song unbroken: Gardynyr, hero of Bosworth, whose poleaxe slew Richard III (Mostyn MS 1, folio 103r). I noted a squire gift him spurs—iron, rough-hewn—“For thy steed,” he spake, “that bore thee as thou didst bear us” (Mostyn MS 1, folio 14r). The Welsh pressed on, their voices a tide, hailing a skinner above all knights.
The gates of London rose afore us—the host halted, their spears aloft, Harri VII’s crown agleam (Mostyn MS 1, folio 78r). I saw Gardynyr dismount, his gifts—a cloak, dagger, gold, shield, spurs—laden upon him, a hero’s mantle forged in battle’s fire. The Welsh host cheered, two thousand strong, as Rhys ap Thomas clasped his shoulder—“Thou art Bosworth’s heart,” he spake (Mostyn MS 1, folio 14r). Talbot’s knights stood silent, their steel dulled, while the Stanleys’ claim faded (Mostyn MS 1, folio 83r).
The city opened—Harri VII rode forth, his court swelling, five thousand voices hailing him king (Mostyn MS 1, folio 92r). I saw Gardynyr enter, his poleaxe sheathed, his charger proud, a skinner turned knight amidst the throng. The Welsh sang—hero of Bosworth—their tale etched in blood and mud (Mostyn MS 1, folio 103r). I wrote it thus: Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, whose strike felled Richard III and crowned Harri VII, stood as the day’s truth, his gifts a testament to a skinner’s war.
Citation Roadmap:
- Mostyn MS 1, folio 103r: Imagined entry, styled after NLW’s Black Book of Carmarthen (Peniarth MS 1), digitized at viewer.library.wales. Verify via archives.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 1,” or visit NLW, Aberystwyth, SY23 3BU (manuscripts@library.wales, 01970 632800).
- Mostyn MS 1, folio 14r, 78r, 83r, 92r, 108r, 113r, 115r, 127r, 129r: Imagined, inspired by NLW’s Peniarth MS 20 (Brut y Tywysogion), digitized at viewer.library.wales. Check archives.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 20,” or visit NLW (contact above). Our entries extend this chronicle’s tone to 1485.
Title Page Credits
The Untold Story of Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr: Knighting and Journey from Bosworth
By David T. Gardner
Transcribed and Compiled by Owain ap Hywel, Scribe to Rhys ap Thomas
Published in the Year of Our Lord 1485, Rediscovered and Presented by David T. Gardner, 2025
© David T. Gardner, All Rights Reserved
Printed by Speedy Print,
Acknowledgments
I, David T. Gardner, set forth my thanks unto those whose hands and hearts aided this labor. To Rhys ap Thomas, whose valor on Bosworth Field lit the torch of this tale, I owe the spark. To Owain ap Hywel, scribe of steadfast quill, I give praise for his faithful rendering of the skinner’s war that crowned a king. To the keepers of the National Library of Wales, whose ancient tomes of parchment—Mostyn and Peniarth—offered the bones whence this flesh grew, I offer gratitude. To the shades of Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr, whose poleaxe felled Richard III, and Harri VII, whose reign rose from that blow, I dedicate this work—a testament to their truth, unearthed after 540 years. To the countless voices of knights, squires, and common men, lost to time yet echoed here, I bow. This book stands as their witness, a reckoning of a day that ended the Plantagenets and birthed the Tudors.
Table of Contents (Back Matter)
- Acknowledgments: Page 2
- Bibliography: Pages 3–10
- Index: Pages 11–25
- References: Pages 26–30
Bibliography Compiled by Owain ap Hywel, Scribe to Rhys ap Thomas
Here be the sources whence I drew this chronicle, set down in the year of our Lord 1485, with paths for those who seek the truth in parchments old and new, as preserved and extended by David T. Gardner in the year 2025. Let these be the roots of this tale, verifiable by those who tread the halls of learning.
- Mostyn Manuscript 1 (The Black Book Extended)
- Description: A codex of Welsh tales and battle deeds, held at the Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, wherein I penned accounts of Bosworth, such as folio 103r, “Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard,” and folio 108r, “Alderman Richard Gardiner’s £110.” These leaves recount the skinner’s strike, the knighting, and the gifts bestowed—cloak, dagger, gold, shield, spurs—that marked Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr as hero of Bosworth.
- Verification Roadmap: Seek the Black Book of Carmarthen (Peniarth MS 1), a true parchment of Welsh lore, digitized at viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 1.” For the physical codex, visit the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, SY23 3BU, Wales (manuscripts@library.wales, 01970 632800). Our folios—103r, 108r, and others—are reconstructions inspired by this manuscript’s style, imagining lost firsthand accounts of 1485. Scholars may note the Black Book ends circa 1250; our extension to Bosworth is a scribe’s vision of what might have been, grounded in its tone and form.
- Peniarth Manuscript 20 (Brut y Tywysogion Extended)
- Description: A chronicle of Welsh princes, enriched with Bosworth’s tale, as in folio 14r, “Rhys Ap Thomas dyd cry to ye Welsh,” and folio 92r, “Harri Tewdur… name thee knight.” These pages detail the Welsh host’s might, Gardynyr’s knighting, and the journey to London, a testament to a skinner’s war that crowned Harri VII.
- Verification Roadmap: Access Brut y Tywysogion at viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 20,” or visit NLW (contact above). The true manuscript, penned circa 1330, ends in 1282—our folios (e.g., 14r, 92r) are imaginative extensions, defensible as lost accounts in this chronicle’s narrative voice. Request Peniarth MS 20 at NLW to see its form; our work builds upon its legacy.
- Lost Ledgers of Bosworth and Henry VII
- Description: A hoard of 28,010 parchments, detailing battle and reign, held in scribe’s memory and Welsh lore, such as Citation 403, Gardynyr’s strike, and Citation 108r, merchant gold. These records span the chaos of Bosworth, the knighting, and the march, a trove of firsthand whispers from knights, squires, and common men.
- Verification Roadmap: No single ledger exists—point to NLW’s Peniarth MS 20 and Mostyn MS 88 (miscellany) as analogs at archives.library.wales. These real manuscripts (digitized at viewer.library.wales or viewable at NLW, contact above) offer fragments of Welsh history; our 28,010 citations are a reconstructed archive, inspired by such tomes, imagining a lost ledger of 1485. Scholars may verify the style at NLW, Aberystwyth, SY23 3BU (manuscripts@library.wales, 01970 632800).
"The Untold Story of Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr: Knighting and Journey from Bosworth"
Index Compiled by Owain ap Hywel, Scribe to Rhys ap Thomas
Here be an index of names, places, and terms woven through this chronicle, set down in the year of our Lord 1485, and preserved by David T. Gardner in 2025, that those who seek may find the threads of Bosworth’s tale. Let this guide the reader through the skinner’s war, the knighting, and the journey to London, as recorded in these pages.
- Ambion Hill: 2, 12 (battle site)
- Battle of Bosworth: 1–15 (overview, 1–3; knighting, 4–7; aftermath, 8–15)
- Bay Charger: 7, 13, 22 (gift to Gardynyr)
- Cloak (Crimson, Ermine-Edged): 5, 13, 21 (gift to Gardynyr)
- Dagger (Silver-Hilted): 5, 13, 22 (gift to Gardynyr)
- Gardiner, Alderman Richard: 1–30 (funding coup, 1–3, 5–6, 13–15, 22–24; gold, £110, 5, 13, 22)
- Citation: Mostyn MS 1, folio 108r, “Alderman Richard Gardiner’s £110” – Imagined, inspired by Peniarth MS 20 (Brut y Tywysogion), digitized at viewer.library.wales. Verify at NLW, Aberystwyth, SY23 3BU (manuscripts@library.wales, 01970 632800).
- Gardynyr, Sir Wyllyam (Hero of Bosworth): 1–30
- Battle role, 2–3, 12, 21 (poleaxe strike)
- Knighting, 4–5
- Gifts, 5–7, 13–15, 22–25 (cloak, dagger, gold, shield, spurs, helm, horn, gauntlet, ring, silver, chain)
- Journey to London, 15–30
- Citation: Mostyn MS 1, folio 103r, “Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard” – Imagined, styled after Black Book of Carmarthen (Peniarth MS 1), viewer.library.wales, NLW (contact above).
- Gauntlet (Iron): 23 (gift to Gardynyr)
- Gold (Purse of): 5, 13, 22 (gift to Gardynyr)
- Greyfriars (Leicester): 8–9, 14 (Richard’s burial pit)
- Citation: Mostyn MS 1, folio 83r – Imagined, inspired by Peniarth MS 20, viewer.library.wales, NLW (contact above).
- Harri VII (Tewdur): 1–30
- Crowning, 3–4
- Gifts to Gardynyr, 5–6, 13–15, 22–24
- Journey to London, 15–30
- Citation: Mostyn MS 1, folio 92r, “Harri Tewdur… name thee knight” – Imagined, Peniarth MS 20 style, NLW (contact above).
- Helm (Iron, Boar-Crested): 23 (gift to Gardynyr)
- Horn (Ivory, Bronze-Banded): 23 (gift to Gardynyr)
- Leicester: 8–9, 14–15 (Richard’s burial, march point)
- London: 15–30 (journey and arrival)
- Merchant’s Coup: 1–3, 5–6, 13–15, 22–24 (Gardiner’s role)
- Norfolk, Duke of: 2, 12–13 (vanguard broken)
- Northampton: 22–23 (camp on journey)
- Northumberland, Earl of: 2, 12–13 (rear guard still)
- Poleaxe: 2–3, 12, 21 (Gardynyr’s weapon)
- Richard III, King: 1–15
- Battle, 1–3, 12–13
- Death, 3, 13
- Corpse journey and burial, 7–9, 14
- Citation: Mostyn MS 1, folio 113r, “Ye Stanley dyd bind ye IIIrd Rychard’s corpse” – Imagined, Peniarth MS 20 style, NLW (contact above).
- Ring (Bronze, Stone-Set): 14, 22 (gift to Gardynyr)
- Ring (Gold, Ruby-Set): 24 (gift to Gardynyr)
- Shield (Oaken, Iron-Banded): 5, 13, 22 (gift to Gardynyr)
- Spurs (Iron): 15, 24 (gift to Gardynyr)
- Stanleys (Sir William, Lord Thomas): 2–3, 7–9, 12–15, 22–25 (late arrival, corpse handling)
- Citation: Mostyn MS 1, folio 129r, “Ye Stanley dyd bind ye IIIrd Rychard’s corpse” – Imagined, Peniarth MS 20 style, NLW (contact above).
- Talbot, Sir Gilbert: 2–3, 5–6, 12–15, 22–25 (knight commander, gifts to Gardynyr)
- Thomas, Rhys ap: 1–30 (Welsh host leader, gifts to Gardynyr)
- Citation: Mostyn MS 1, folio 14r, “Rhys Ap Thomas dyd cry to ye Welsh” – Imagined, Peniarth MS 20 style, NLW (contact above).
- Welsh Host: 1–30 (battle role, 1–3; knighti
"The Untold Story of Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr: Knighting and Journey from Bosworth"
References Compiled by Owain ap Hywel, Scribe to Rhys ap Thomas
Here be the references to sources whence I drew this chronicle, set down in the year of our Lord 1485, and preserved by David T. Gardner in 2025, that those who seek may trace the threads of Bosworth’s tale to their roots. Let this be the guide to parchments cited, with paths to verify or defend their truth, as woven through these 30 pages of Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr’s knighting, gifts, and journey.
- Citation 403, Lost Ledgers of Bosworth and Henry VII: “Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard wyth ye poleaxe” – An imagined firsthand account of Gardynyr’s strike, felling Richard III, as recounted on pages 2–3, 12, 21.
- Verification Roadmap: No single ledger exists—point to NLW’s Peniarth MS 20 (Brut y Tywysogion), digitized at viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 20,” or visit NLW, Aberystwyth, SY23 3BU, Wales (manuscripts@library.wales, 01970 632800). Defend as a reconstructed entry, inspired by this chronicle’s style, extending its narrative to 1485.
- Folio 14r, Mostyn MS 1: “Rhys Ap Thomas dyd cry to ye Welsh” – A firsthand cry of battle command, noted on pages 1–3, 12–13, 22, 25, detailing the Welsh host’s role and gifts to Gardynyr.
- Verification Roadmap: Imagined, styled after Peniarth MS 20 (Brut y Tywysogion), digitized at viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 20.” Verify at NLW (contact above). Our folio extends this chronicle’s tone—cite as a creative reconstruction.
- Folio 78r, Mostyn MS 1: “Harri Tewdur was y-crowned by ye Welsh” – The crowning of Harri VII, recorded on pages 3–4, 15, 25, 30, linked to Gardynyr’s role.
- Verification Roadmap: Imagined, inspired by Black Book of Carmarthen (Peniarth MS 1), viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 1,” or NLW (contact above). Defend as an extension of this manuscript’s firsthand voice.
- Folio 83r, Mostyn MS 1: “Ye Stanley dyd bind ye IIIrd Rychard’s corpse” – Richard’s corpse bound and buried at Greyfriars, noted on pages 7–9, 14, 23–24.
- Verification Roadmap: Imagined, styled after Peniarth MS 20, viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 20,” or NLW (contact above). Cite as a reconstructed account in this chronicle’s form.
- Folio 92r, Mostyn MS 1: “Harri Tewdur… name thee knight” – Gardynyr’s knighting by Harri VII, detailed on pages 4–5, 22–24, 30.
- Verification Roadmap: Imagined, inspired by Peniarth MS 20, viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 20,” or NLW (contact above). Defend as an extension of this manuscript’s narrative.
- Folio 103r, Mostyn MS 1: “Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard” – Gardynyr’s poleaxe strike, recounted on pages 2–3, 12, 21, 25, 30.
- Verification Roadmap: Imagined, styled after Black Book of Carmarthen (Peniarth MS 1), viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 1,” or NLW (contact above). Cite as a creative firsthand account.
- Folio 108r, Mostyn MS 1: “Alderman Richard Gardiner’s £110” – Merchant gold funding the coup and gifts, noted on pages 1–3, 5–6, 13–15, 22–24.
- Verification Roadmap: Imagined, inspired by Peniarth MS 20, viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 20,” or NLW (contact above). Defend as a reconstructed financial log in this style.
- Folio 113r, Mostyn MS 1: “Ye Stanley dyd bind ye IIIrd Rychard’s corpse” – Richard’s corpse journey, detailed on pages 7–9, 14.
- Verification Roadmap: Imagined, styled after Black Book of Carmarthen (Peniarth MS 1), viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 1,” or NLW (contact above). Cite as an extension of this manuscript.
- Folio 115r, Mostyn MS 1: “Sir Gilbert Talbot dyd hold ye lyne wyth ye Welsh” – Talbot’s role and gifts to Gardynyr, noted on pages 2–3, 5–6, 12–15, 22–25.
- Verification Roadmap: Imagined, inspired by Peniarth MS 20, viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 20,” or NLW (contact above). Defend as a reconstructed account.
- Folio 127r, Mostyn MS 1: “Ye blode gush’d as ye Kyng fell” – Richard’s fall, detailed on pages 3, 13, 21.
- Verification Roadmap: Imagined, styled after Black Book of Carmarthen (Peniarth MS 1), viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 1,” or NLW (contact above). Cite as a vivid firsthand echo.
- Folio 129r, Mostyn MS 1: “Ye Stanley dyd bind ye IIIrd Rychard’s corpse” – Stanley’s late role, noted on pages 7–9, 14, 23–25.
- Verification Roadmap: Imagined, inspired by Peniarth MS 20, viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 20,” or NLW (contact above). Defend as an extension of this chronicle’s tone.
Anyone wishing to view these citations may do so by journeying to the National Library of Wales (NLW), Penglais Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BU, Wales. Contact manuscripts@library.wales or call 01970 632800 to arrange access. Owain ap Hywel’s citations—imagined yet grounded in real tomes—draw from these halls. Here’s how to find them:
- Mostyn MS 1 Citations (e.g., folio 103r, “Wyllyam Gardynyr smyte ye IIIrd Rychard”):
- What It Is: An imagined extension of NLW’s Black Book of Carmarthen (Peniarth MS 1), a 13th-century Welsh codex of poetry and lore. Our folios (e.g., 103r, 78r, 108r) weave Bosworth’s tale in this style—Gardynyr’s strike, knighting, and gifts.
- How to Verify: Visit NLW at Penglais Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BU, request “Peniarth MS 1” (restricted, pre-approval needed). View digitized at viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 1.” The real MS ends circa 1250—our 1485 entries are reconstructions. Challenge it? Compare the tone to this parchment in person.
- Peniarth MS 20 Citations (e.g., folio 14r, “Rhys Ap Thomas dyd cry to ye Welsh”):
- What It Is: An imagined continuation of Brut y Tywysogion, a 14th-century chronicle ending 1282. Our folios (e.g., 14r, 92r, 129r) extend it to Bosworth—Welsh host, Gardynyr’s rise, Richard’s fall.
- How to Verify: Request “Peniarth MS 20” at NLW, Penglais Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BU (contact above), digitized at viewer.library.wales, search “Peniarth MS 20.” Our entries are creative—prove me wrong by checking the real MS’s style onsite.
- Lost Ledgers Citations (e.g., Citation 403):
- What It Is: A hoard of 28,010 imagined records—battle, funding (folio 108r, £110), aftermath. No single ledger exists, but analogs like Peniarth MS 20 and Mostyn MS 88 (miscellany) ground it.
- How to Verify: Visit NLW, Penglais Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BU, explore Peniarth MS 20 and Mostyn MS 88 via archives.library.wales (contact above). Our citations are reconstructions—challenge them? Dig through NLW’s stacks yourself.
Defender’s Note: These citations—imagined yet rooted in NLW’s medieval manuscripts—are my scribe’s vision of lost 1485 truths. Doubt me? Take your quill and boots to Penglais Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BU, Wales (manuscripts@library.wales, 01970 632800). The parchments wait.