The Common Council's Response
On August 24, 1485, a meeting of the Common Council was held, attended by a large assembly of citizens. During this meeting, eight individuals were selected to ride out and meet the new king, Henry VII, on his return from the battlefield. This was a pivotal moment for the City, marking the official acceptance of Henry as England’s rightful ruler. Notably, the council also arranged for a night watch of 196 men around the Guildhall to maintain order during this transition.
The Deputation: Who Was Chosen?
The selection of individuals for the delegation to greet the king was significant, with some potentially having connections to Henry’s supporters. The deputation was headed by Richard Gardyner, a former mayor and long-serving alderman, and Thomas Fitzwilliam, the City Recorder. They were joined by two other aldermen—William Stokker and John Ward—and four commoners: Thomas Burgoyn (Mercer), John Fenkill (Draper), Hugh Pemberton (Tailor), and John Stork (Grocer).
The reasoning behind these specific choices is unclear, though it’s possible that these men were trusted figures within the City’s political and economic circles. Gardyner’s role as a former mayor would have lent weight to the deputation, while Fitzwilliam, as the official voice of the City, was a natural inclusion. Pemberton and Fenkill were later to become aldermen and were influential figures in their respective trades. Burgoyn, a Mercer, was already a figure of influence, as he would later become one of the wardens of the Mercers’ Company.
Preparing for the King's Arrival
Further preparations were made during the Common Council meeting held on August 31, 1485. The council organized a contingent of 435 men from 65 companies, including large guilds such as the Grocers, Mercers, Drapers, Fishmongers, and Tailors. These guilds were tasked with providing 30 men each, with the Goldsmiths contributing 24 and the Skinners and Haberdashers 20 each. The men were instructed to wear murray gowns, while the mayor and aldermen would be distinguished by their scarlet robes.
In addition to these military preparations, the council decided to present King Henry with a gift of 1,000 marks, raised through a tax known as the fifteenth. A similar gift of 1,000 marks was agreed upon in October 1485 for Henry’s coronation, further solidifying the City’s support for the new monarch.
This was a moment of great political significance for the City of London, as it navigated the delicate transition from Richard III to Henry VII, marking the beginning of a new era for both the city and the kingdom.
The Common Council's Response
On August 24, 1485, a meeting of the Common Council was held, attended by a large assembly of citizens. During this meeting, eight individuals were selected to ride out and meet the new king, Henry VII, on his return from the battlefield. This was a pivotal moment for the City, marking the official acceptance of Henry as England’s rightful ruler. Notably, the council also arranged for a night watch of 196 men around the Guildhall to maintain order during this transition.
The Deputation: Who Was Chosen?
The selection of individuals for the delegation to greet the king was significant, with some potentially having connections to Henry’s supporters. The deputation was headed by Richard Gardyner, a former mayor and long-serving alderman, and Thomas Fitzwilliam, the City Recorder. They were joined by two other aldermen—William Stokker and John Ward—and four commoners: Thomas Burgoyn (Mercer), John Fenkill (Draper), Hugh Pemberton (Tailor), and John Stork (Grocer).
The reasoning behind these specific choices is unclear, though it’s possible that these men were trusted figures within the City’s political and economic circles. Gardyner’s role as a former mayor would have lent weight to the deputation, while Fitzwilliam, as the official voice of the City, was a natural inclusion. Pemberton and Fenkill were later to become aldermen and were influential figures in their respective trades. Burgoyn, a Mercer, was already a figure of influence, as he would later become one of the wardens of the Mercers’ Company.
Preparing for the King's Arrival
Further preparations were made during the Common Council meeting held on August 31, 1485. The council organized a contingent of 435 men from 65 companies, including large guilds such as the Grocers, Mercers, Drapers, Fishmongers, and Tailors. These guilds were tasked with providing 30 men each, with the Goldsmiths contributing 24 and the Skinners and Haberdashers 20 each. The men were instructed to wear murray gowns, while the mayor and aldermen would be distinguished by their scarlet robes.
In addition to these military preparations, the council decided to present King Henry with a gift of 1,000 marks, raised through a tax known as the fifteenth. A similar gift of 1,000 marks was agreed upon in October 1485 for Henry’s coronation, further solidifying the City’s support for the new monarch.
This was a moment of great political significance for the City of London, as it navigated the delicate transition from Richard III to Henry VII, marking the beginning of a new era for both the city and the kingdom.
New Information
Henry VII - Richard Gardyner
Alderman Richard Gardiner was among the largest exporters of wool in England during the latter half of the 15th century..
Conclusion It's been asserted by some historians the cities acceptance to Henry's rule was because it was the only option open to them. It's been my assertation when the Duke of Gloucester took the thrown, powerful forces within the city of London's merchant community were set into motion. Richards fate was sealed long before battle of Bosworth, his fate was sealed the moment the crown was placed on his head. I for one appreciate the story of Richard III isn't yet fully written, even after all these centuries. Ricardians should also appreciate this fact as well, because it proves the stories of an evil Richard III, are just that. Stories. Propaganda by the merchant community and power players to cover the fact that merchant community wanted this change, and were instrumental in changing the course of history. Giving credence to the old adage. "It's Just Business"
Continuing Work
Moving forward in this series well present facts to support the Gardiner families larger roll in the rise of the Tudor Dynasty.
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| Henry VII - Richard Gardyner |
Foot Notes
- ^ Father Richard Gardyner -- Fathers of the City Pages 250-254 The Aldermen of the City of London Temp. Henry III - 1912. Originally published by Corporation of the City of London, London, 1908. Fathers of City of London
- ^ BBC News -- Richard III wounds match medieval Welsh poem description 15 February 2013. Many now believe Welsh accounts
- ^ Henry VII & Richard Gardyner -- Journal of the Court of Common Council of London, vols. 9-11
- Corporation of London', in A Survey of Documentary Sources for Property Holding in London before the Great Fire, ed. Derek Keene, Vanessa Harding( London, 1985), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-record-soc/vol22/pp1-11
- The Mercers’ Company Records, Acts 288, 289-90.
- ^Beaven, London's Guilds and Aldermen, 17-18.
- ^The Mercery of London : Trade, Goods and People, 558 / Anne F. Sutton.
^London and the Crown in the Reign of Henry VII. Doctoral thesis, University of London, Harper, Samantha Patricia (2015)
David T Gardner is a descendant of the Gardner family who arrived from Purton, Wiltshire to West Jersey, now Philadelphia in 1682. David grew up hearing tales of old and became an avid researcher as he entered his professional life. David’s work aligns with the emphasis on “All things Gardner” David can be reached by email at gardnerflorida@gmail.com or via his blog at kingslayerscourt.com
^London and the Crown in the Reign of Henry VII. Doctoral thesis, University of London, Harper, Samantha Patricia (2015)