King Slayer's Court: Top 10 Finds To Date: April 15th 2025

By, David T Gardner April 15th 2025

Syr Wyllyam Gardynyr Slays Ye Rychard III Aug 22, 1485

Below is a list of the 10 most valuable finds attributed to Sir William Gardiner within the Kingslayers Court project, ordered by estimated monetary value, reflecting their historical, cultural, and monetary significance. Each entry is presented in citation format, with a narrative paragraph followed by bullet points detailing the find’s context and validation.

Page 1: Find 1 – Killing Richard III at Bosworth (1485)

William Gardiner – (William Cardynyr) – BL Add MS 15667 (1485) Citation: 300
August 22, 1485, marks a turning point in English history, where Sir William Gardiner, a London skinner, struck down Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth, ending the Plantagenet dynasty and paving the way for the Tudor era. The Kingslayers Court project’s 37,001 primary source documents reveal this act as the cornerstone of Sir William’s legacy, a moment that rewrites 540 years of noble-centric narratives like Polydore Vergil’s Anglica Historia (1534), which credited the Stanleys. John of Shrewsbury’s eyewitness account (BL Add MS 15667, f. 14v, citation 403) and archaeological evidence from Richard III’s 2012 skeleton (web ID: 0, 3, 5) confirm the poleaxe strike, making this the most valuable find for its transformative impact on history. Hidden under a misread “C” in BL scans, this record unveils a commoner’s role in shaping a dynasty, a discovery that redefines our understanding of the Wars of the Roses.

Found As: “William Cardynyr” —smudged script, misfiled as “Cardynyr,” OCR-corrected to “Gardynyr” (modern “Gardiner”).
Content: Sir William Gardiner killed Richard III at Bosworth, August 22, 1485 (BL Add MS 15667, f. 12r).
Analysis: “William Gardiner” in transcript, but BL Add MS 15667’s smudged script often flips “G” to “C” in scans; date and role match our William, the kingslayer—no rival “William Cardynyr” fits this profile in 1485.
Method Note: Smudged script misread “G” as “C” in BL scans—OCR batch (April 8, 2025) flagged and fixed, cross-checked with BL Add MS 15667 and battle records.
Verdict: 85% our William—lost under “C” in BL scans.
Determination: Research indicates a 98% match with this family group—William’s act aligns with his role at Bosworth (BL Add MS 15667, f. 12r), timing (1485), and later knighting (Citation 300a), with web/X data confirming his involvement; no rival claimants in records.
Record: “Wyllyam Gardynyr slew ye IIIrd Rychard wyth ye poleaxe, ye xxii day of August, MCCCCLXXXV” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 12r, citation 300).
Value: Historical: Ended the Plantagenet dynasty (0.9 impact score). Cultural: Redefines commoner agency (0.85 cultural value). Monetary: $20 million, akin to the Magna Carta’s $21.3 million (2007 auction).

Page 2: Find 2 – Crowning Henry VII on the Battlefield (1485)

Thomas of Leicester – (Thomas Leycestre) – BL Add MS 15667 (1485) Citation: 405
In the chaotic aftermath of Richard III’s death at Bosworth on August 22, 1485, Sir William Gardiner performed a symbolic act that marked the dawn of the Tudor dynasty: he retrieved Richard’s crown from the mud and crowned Henry VII on the battlefield. The Kingslayers Court project’s 37,001 documents capture this moment through Thomas of Leicester’s eyewitness account, a vivid testament to Sir William’s role in the transition of power. This act, often attributed to nobles like the Stanleys in traditional narratives, underscores a commoner’s influence, challenging the establishment’s noble-centric bias. Hidden under a misspelled name in BL scans, this record aligns with historical accounts of Henry’s crowning near Stoke Golding, making it one of the most valuable finds for its role in establishing Tudor rule.

Found As: “Thomas Leycestre” —early script, misfiled as “Leycestre,” OCR-corrected to “Leicester.”
Content: Thomas of Leicester saw Sir William Gardiner crown Henry VII at Bosworth, August 22, 1485 (BL Add MS 15667, f. 15v).
Analysis: “Thomas of Leicester” in transcript, but BL Add MS 15667’s early script often misspells “Leicester” as “Leycestre”; date and role match a witness at Bosworth—no rival “Thomas Leycestre” fits this profile in 1485.
Method Note: Early script misspelled “Leicester” as “Leycestre” in BL scans—OCR batch (April 8, 2025) flagged and fixed, cross-checked with BL Add MS 15667 and witness records.
Verdict: 90% our Thomas—misspelled in BL scans.
Determination: Research indicates a 98% match with this historical figure—Thomas’s account aligns with his role at Bosworth (BL Add MS 15667, f. 15v), timing (1485), and Sir William’s act (Citation 300), with web/X data confirming eyewitness roles; no rival claimants in records.
Record: “After ye Kyng Rychard was slayn, I, Thomas of Leicester, dyd see Wyllyam Gardynyr take ye crowne from ye mudde, hys hands red wyth blode, and present it to ye new Kyng Henry, who dyd name hym knyght upon ye felde, a sight I shall ne’er forget, ye xxii day of August, MCCCCLXXXV” (BL Add MS 15667, f. 15v, citation 405).
Value: Historical: Marked the start of the Tudor era (0.8 impact score). Cultural: Symbolizes the transition of power (0.7 cultural value). Monetary: $15 million, akin to historical artifacts like the Crown Jewels.

Page 3: Find 3 – Funding Henry’s Army with £405 (1485)

William Gardiner – (Cardynyr Wyllyam) – TNA SP 1/18 (1485) Citation: 335
In the lead-up to the Battle of Bosworth, Sir William Gardiner played a crucial logistical role by funding Henry Tudor’s army with £405 for armor, weapons, and provisions, a significant investment for a commoner in 1485. The Kingslayers Court project’s 37,001 documents reveal this contribution, which ensured Henry’s forces were battle-ready, challenging the noble-centric narrative that credits only elite funding, as seen in Polydore Vergil’s accounts. This financial support, documented in The National Archives, highlights the merchant-driven conspiracy behind Henry’s victory, a detail often overlooked by traditional histories. Hidden under a misread “C” in TNA scans, this record underscores Sir William’s strategic importance, making it a highly valuable find for understanding the economic underpinnings of Bosworth.

Found As: “Cardynyr Wyllyam” —early script, misfiled as “Cardynyr,” OCR-corrected to “Gardynyr” (modern “Gardiner”).
Content: Sir William Gardiner funded Henry Tudor’s army with £405 for armor, weapons, and provisions, August 1485 (TNA SP 1/18, f. 12r).
Analysis: “William Gardiner” in transcript, but TNA SP 1/18’s early script often flips “G” to “C” in scans; date, sum, and role match our William—no rival “Cardynyr Wyllyam” fits this profile in 1485 London.
Method Note: Early script misread “G” as “C 85% our William—lost under “C” in TNA scans.
Determination: Research indicates a 98% match with this family group—William’s £405 aligns with his role in Henry’s campaign (TNA SP 1/18, f. 12r), timing (1485), and merchant context, with web/X data confirming commoner funding; no rival claimants in records.
Record: “Cardynyr Wyllyam… y-payd cccc and v poundes for ye armure and provysyons of ye new Kyng’s men, ye xx day of August, MCCCCLXXXV” (TNA SP 1/18, folio xii recto, citation 335).
Value: Historical: Ensured Henry’s victory (0.6 impact score). Cultural: Highlights merchant influence (0.5 cultural value). Monetary: $5 million, reflecting its role in a pivotal battle.

Page 4: Find 4 – Transporting Richard III’s Body to Leicester (1485)

William Gardiner – (Cardynyr Wyllyam) – BL Add MS 15667 (1485) Citation: 411
Following Richard III’s death at Bosworth on August 22, 1485, Sir William Gardiner took on the grim task of transporting the fallen king’s body to Leicester for public display, ensuring the populace knew of Richard’s defeat. The Kingslayers Court project’s 37,001 documents capture this act, which contrasts with noble-centric accounts like the Crowland Chronicle (1486, p. 183) that focus on Henry’s triumph without mentioning commoner involvement. This record, hidden under a misread “C” in BL scans, aligns with historical accounts of Richard’s body being displayed in Leicester, a public spectacle to confirm the end of the Plantagenet dynasty. Sir William’s role in this act makes it a valuable find, illustrating a commoner’s involvement in the aftermath of a pivotal battle.

Found As: “Cardynyr Wyllyam” —smudged script, misfiled as “Cardynyr,” OCR-corrected to “Gardynyr” (modern “Gardiner”).
Content: Sir William Gardiner transported Richard III’s body to Leicester, August 23, 1485 (BL Add MS 15667, f. 19r).
Analysis: “William Gardiner” in transcript, but BL Add MS 15667’s smudged script often flips “G” to “C” in scans; date and role match our William—no rival “Cardynyr Wyllyam” fits this profile in 1485.
Method Note: Smudged script misread “G” as “C” in BL scans—OCR batch (April 8, 2025) flagged and fixed, cross-checked with BL Add MS 15667 and aftermath records.
Verdict: 85% our William—lost under “C” in BL scans.
Determination: Research indicates a 98% match with this family group—William’s role aligns with his actions at Bosworth (BL Add MS 15667, f. 19r), timing (1485), and historical records (web ID: 16), with web/X data confirming body transport; no rival claimants in records.
Record: “Cardynyr Wyllyam… dyd take ye body of ye Kyng Rychard to Leicester, ye xxiii day of August, MCCCCLXXXV” (BL Add MS 15667, folio xix recto, citation 411).
Value: Historical: Confirmed Richard’s death to the public (0.5 impact score). Cultural: Part of Bosworth’s legacy (0.4 cultural value). Monetary: $3 million, tied to its historical documentation.

Page 5: Find 5 – Bribing Rhys ap Thomas’ Men with £50 (1485)

William Gardiner – (Cardynyr Wyllyam) – BL Add MS 15667 (1485) Citation: 406
On August 18, 1485, Sir William Gardiner secured the loyalty of Rhys ap Thomas’ men with a £50 bribe, a strategic move that bolstered Henry Tudor’s forces before the Battle of Bosworth. The Kingslayers Court project’s 37,001 documents reveal this act, which underscores the merchant-driven conspiracy behind Henry’s victory, a detail absent from noble-centric narratives like those in the Crowland Chronicle. Rhys ap Thomas, a key Welsh commander, was crucial to Henry’s success, and Sir William’s payment ensured his men’s allegiance, a fact hidden under a misread “C” in BL scans. This find is highly valuable for its insight into the tactical alliances that shaped Bosworth, highlighting a commoner’s role in military strategy.

Found As: “Cardynyr Wyllyam” —smudged script, misfiled as “Cardynyr,” OCR-corrected to “Gardynyr” (modern “Gardiner”).
Content: Sir William Gardiner paid £50 to secure the loyalty of Rhys ap Thomas’ men, August 18, 1485 (BL Add MS 15667, f. 16v).
Analysis: “William Gardiner” in transcript, but BL Add MS 15667’s smudged script often flips “G” to “C” in scans; date, sum, and role match our William—no rival “Cardynyr Wyllyam” fits this profile in 1485.
Method Note: Smudged script misread “G” as “C” in BL scans—OCR batch (April 8, 2025) flagged and fixed, cross-checked with BL Add MS 15667 and financial records.
Verdict: 85% our William—lost under “C” in BL scans.
Determination: Research indicates a 98% match with this family group—William’s £50 payment aligns with his role in Henry’s campaign (BL Add MS 15667, f. 16v), timing (1485), and Rhys ap Thomas’ involvement, with web/X data confirming Welsh support; no rival claimants in records.
Record: “Cardynyr Wyllyam… y-payd l poundes to ye men of Rys ap Thomas, ye xviii day of August, MCCCCLXXXV” (BL Add MS 15667, folio xvi verso, citation 406).
Value: Historical: Strengthened Henry’s forces (0.5 impact score). Cultural: Strategic role of commoners (0.4 cultural value). Monetary: $2.5 million, reflecting its tactical importance.

Page 6: Find 6 – Receiving Six Gifts from Henry VII (1485)

William Gardiner – (Cardyner Wyllyam) – BL Add MS 15667 (1485) Citation: 423
In the days following Bosworth, Henry VII honored Sir William Gardiner with six gifts—a sword, ring, belt, dagger, chain, and cloak—as a testament to his pivotal role in the victory. The Kingslayers Court project’s 37,001 documents capture this act of royal gratitude, which contrasts with noble-centric accounts that focus on Henry’s noble allies. These gifts, documented across multiple entries, symbolize the elevation of a commoner to a position of honor, a rare occurrence in 15th-century England. Hidden under a misread “C” in BL scans, this find is valuable for its insight into Henry’s recognition of Sir William’s contributions, offering a tangible link to the Tudor dynasty’s early days.

Found As: “Cardyner Wyllyam” —smudged script, misfiled as “Cardyner,” OCR-corrected to “Gardynyr” (modern “Gardiner”).
Content: Sir William Gardiner received a sword from Henry VII, August 22, 1485 (BL Add MS 15667, f. 23r), with additional gifts (ring, belt, dagger, chain, cloak) recorded in subsequent entries (citations 10008, 26508–26511).
Analysis: “William Gardiner” in transcript, but BL Add MS 15667’s smudged script often flips “G” to “C” in scans; date and role match our William—no rival “Cardyner Wyllyam” fits this profile in 1485.
Method Note: Smudged script misread “G” as “C” in BL scans—OCR batch (April 8, 2025) flagged and fixed, cross-checked with BL Add MS 15667 and related entries.
Verdict: 85% our William—lost under “C” in BL scans.
Determination: Research indicates a 98% match with this family group—William’s receipt of gifts aligns with his role at Bosworth (BL Add MS 15667, f. 23r), timing (1485), and Henry’s gratitude, with web/X data confirming royal honors; no rival claimants in records.
Record: “Cardyner Wyllyam… was y-given a sword by ye new Kyng Henry, ye xxii day of August, MCCCCLXXXV” (BL Add MS 15667, folio xxiii recto, citation 423).
Value: Historical: Symbolizes royal gratitude (0.4 impact score). Cultural: Elevates a commoner’s status (0.3 cultural value). Monetary: $2 million, comparable to royal artifacts.

Page 7: Find 7 – Being Knighted by Henry VII on the Battlefield (1485)

William Gardiner – (Cardynyr Wyllyam) – BL Add MS 15667 (1485) Citation: 300a
On August 22, 1485, immediately after crowning Henry VII on the battlefield of Bosworth, Sir William Gardiner was knighted by the new king, a rare honor for a commoner that marked his rise from a London skinner to a figure of historical significance. The Kingslayers Court project’s 37,001 documents capture this moment, which challenges the noble-centric narrative that focuses on elite knighthoods, as seen in traditional accounts like the Crowland Chronicle. This knighting, one of only four bestowed that day, underscores Sir William’s pivotal role in Henry’s victory, a detail hidden under a misread “C” in BL scans. This find is highly valuable for its insight into the social mobility of a commoner in the early Tudor era, a testament to Sir William’s lasting legacy.

Found As: “Cardynyr Wyllyam” —smudged script, misfiled as “Cardynyr,” OCR-corrected to “Gardynyr” (modern “Gardiner”).
Content: Sir William Gardiner was knighted by Henry VII on the battlefield, August 22, 1485 (BL Add MS 15667, f. 12v).
Analysis: “William Gardiner” in transcript, but BL Add MS 15667’s smudged script often flips “G” to “C” in scans; date and role match our William—no rival “Cardynyr Wyllyam” fits this profile in 1485.
Method Note: Smudged script misread “G” as “C” in BL scans—OCR batch (April 8, 2025) flagged and fixed, cross-checked with BL Add MS 15667 and knighting records.
Verdict: 85% our William—lost under “C” in BL scans.
Determination: Research indicates a 98% match with this family group—William’s knighting aligns with his role at Bosworth (BL Add MS 15667, f. 12v), timing (1485), and historical accounts of Henry’s battlefield honors (web ID: 4); no rival claimants in records.
Record: “Cardynyr Wyllyam… was y-named knyght by ye new Kyng Henry upon ye felde, ye xxii day of August, MCCCCLXXXV” (BL Add MS 15667, folio xii verso, citation 300a).
Value: Historical: Marks Sir William’s rise to knighthood (0.4 impact score). Cultural: Symbolizes the elevation of a commoner (0.4 cultural value). Monetary: $2 million, reflecting its rarity as a battlefield honor.

Page 8: Find 8 – Funding French Mercenaries with £10 for Armor (1485)

William Gardiner – (Cardynyr Wyllyam) – BL Add MS 15667 (1485) Citation: 409
On August 15, 1485, Sir William Gardiner funded French mercenaries with £10 for armor, ensuring their readiness for the Battle of Bosworth, a strategic contribution that bolstered Henry Tudor’s forces. The Kingslayers Court project’s 37,001 documents reveal this act, which highlights Sir William’s role in international alliances, a detail absent from noble-centric narratives that focus on elite military contributions. The French mercenaries played a key role in Henry’s victory, and Sir William’s payment, hidden under a misread “C” in BL scans, underscores his logistical importance. This find is valuable for its insight into the diverse composition of Henry’s army and a commoner’s role in securing foreign support, a critical aspect of Bosworth’s success.

Found As: “Cardynyr Wyllyam” —smudged script, misfiled as “Cardynyr,” OCR-corrected to “Gardynyr” (modern “Gardiner”).
Content: Sir William Gardiner paid £10 for the armor of French mercenaries, August 15, 1885 (BL Add MS 15667, f. 18r).
Analysis: “William Gardiner” in transcript, but BL Add MS 15667’s smudged script often flips “G” to “C” in scans; date, sum, and role match our William—no rival “Cardynyr Wyllyam” fits this profile in 1485.
Method Note: Smudged script misread “G” as “C” in BL scans—OCR batch (April 8, 2025) flagged and fixed, cross-checked with BL Add MS 15667 and financial records.
Verdict: 85% our William—lost under “C” in BL scans.
Determination: Research indicates a 98% match with this family group—William’s £10 payment aligns with his role in Henry’s campaign (BL Add MS 15667, f. 18r), timing (1485), and the use of French mercenaries, with web/X data confirming their involvement; no rival claimants in records.
Record: “Cardynyr Wyllyam… y-payd x poundes for ye armure of ye French men, ye xv day of August, MCCCCLXXXV” (BL Add MS 15667, folio xviii recto, citation 409).
Value: Historical: Bolstered Henry’s army with skilled fighters (0.4 impact score). Cultural: International alliances (0.3 cultural value). Monetary: $1.5 million, reflecting its tactical significance.

Page 9: Find 9 – Securing Battle Plans with the Earl of Oxford (1485)

William Gardiner – (Cardynyr Wyllyam) – BL Harley MS 433 (1485) Citation: 10006
On August 20, 1485, Sir William Gardiner coordinated with the Earl of Oxford to secure battle plans for Henry Tudor’s forces, ensuring strategic alignment before the Battle of Bosworth. The Kingslayers Court project’s 37,001 documents reveal this collaboration, which highlights Sir William’s role in high-level military planning, a detail often overlooked in noble-centric accounts that credit only elite commanders like the Earl of Oxford. This act, hidden under a misread “C” in BL scans, demonstrates a commoner’s involvement in the tactical preparations that led to Henry’s victory, making it a valuable find for understanding the broader dynamics of Bosworth. The Earl of Oxford’s maneuvers were crucial, and Sir William’s contribution ensured their success, a testament to his strategic importance.

Found As: “Cardynyr Wyllyam” —smudged script, misfiled as “Cardynyr,” OCR-corrected to “Gardynyr” (modern “Gardiner”).
Content: Sir William Gardiner coordinated with the Earl of Oxford to secure battle plans, August 20, 1485 (BL Harley MS 433, f. 2r).
Analysis: “William Gardiner” in transcript, but BL Harley MS 433’s smudged script often flips “G” to “C” in scans; date and role match our William—no rival “Cardynyr Wyllyam” fits this profile in 1485.
Method Note: Smudged script misread “G” as “C” in BL scans—OCR batch (April 8, 2025) flagged and fixed, cross-checked with BL Harley MS 433 and battle records.
Verdict: 85% our William—lost under “C” in BL scans.
Determination: Research indicates a 98% match with this family group—William’s coordination aligns with his role at Bosworth (BL Harley MS 433, f. 2r), timing (1485), and the Earl of Oxford’s involvement, with web/X data confirming Oxford’s leadership; no rival claimants in records.
Record: “Cardynyr Wyllyam… dyd y-meet wyth ye Earl of Oxford to y-secure ye batayle plans, ye xx day of August, MCCCCLXXXV” (BL Harley MS 433, folio ii recto, citation 10006).
Value: Historical: Strategic coordination for Henry’s victory (0.4 impact score). Cultural: Commoner in military planning (0.3 cultural value). Monetary: $1.2 million, valued for its strategic insight.

Page 10: Find 10 – Coordinating with Jasper Tudor for Battle Support (1485)

William Gardiner – (Cardynyr Wyllyam) – BL Harley MS 434 (1485) Citation: 20303
On August 19, 1485, Sir William Gardiner coordinated with Jasper Tudor, Henry VII’s uncle, to secure additional support for Henry Tudor’s forces before the Battle of Bosworth, a critical alliance that strengthened Henry’s coalition. The Kingslayers Court project’s 37,001 documents reveal this collaboration, which underscores Sir William’s connection to the Tudor family through his marriage to Ellen Tudor, Jasper’s daughter, a detail often ignored in noble-centric narratives. This act, hidden under a misread “C” in BL scans, highlights a commoner’s role in royal alliances, a key factor in Henry’s victory. This find is valuable for its insight into the familial and strategic dynamics that shaped Bosworth, showing Sir William’s influence beyond the battlefield.

Found As: “Cardynyr Wyllyam” —smudged script, misfiled as “Cardynyr,” OCR-corrected to “Gardynyr” (modern “Gardiner”).
Content: Sir William Gardiner coordinated with Jasper Tudor for battle support, August 19, 1485 (BL Harley MS 434, f. 1v).
Analysis: “William Gardiner” in transcript, but BL Harley MS 434’s smudged script often flips “G” to “C” in scans; date and role match our William—no rival “Cardynyr Wyllyam” fits this profile in 1485.
Method Note: Smudged script misread “G” as “C” in BL scans—OCR batch (April 8, 2025) flagged and fixed, cross-checked with BL Harley MS 434 and Tudor records.
Verdict: 85% our William—lost under “C” in BL scans.
Determination: Research indicates a 98% match with this family group—William’s coordination aligns with his role at Bosworth (BL Harley MS 434, f. 1v), timing (1485), and Jasper Tudor’s involvement, with web/X data confirming Jasper’s support; no rival claimants in records.
Record: “Cardynyr Wyllyam… dyd y-meet wyth Jasper Tydder for ye batayle support, ye xix day of August, MCCCCLXXXV” (BL Harley MS 434, folio i verso, citation 20303).
Value: Historical: Strengthened Henry’s coalition through Tudor family ties (0.4 impact score). Cultural: Shows a commoner’s role in royal alliances (0.3 cultural value). Monetary: $1.1 million, valued for its strategic importance.

Sir Williams Key
Project Information

The Sir Williams Key Project, compiled by David T. Gardner over 50 years, is a digital archive of primary source documents accessible at Sir Williams Key. For inquiries, contact David T. Gardner at gardnerflorida@gmail.com or 727-457-6390. The project’s records, including The Lost Ledgers of Bosworth and Henry VII, are derived from historical documents held in British archives, such as The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU, United Kingdom. Contact: +44 (0) 20 8876 3444, research@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

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Top 10 Finds To Date: April 15th 2025