By David T Gardner, November 22nd, 2024
This is a text from Sir William Dugdale's The Baronage of England (Volume 2, published 1675).
The OCR (Optical Character Recognition) had difficulty with the 17th-century typeface, particularly the "long s" (which looks like an 'f') and the marginal notes (citations) which were mixed into the main text.
Here is the "translation" into clean, readable modern English, organized by the events described.
Part I: The Exile of Henry, Earl of Richmond (Henry VII)
Foreseeing future danger, Richard III made peace with the Scots and sent ambassadors to the Duke of Brittany. He offered the Duke the yearly revenue of all the rebels' lands if the Duke would keep Henry and his friends in perpetual prison. The Duke was ill at the time, so his Treasurer, Pierre Landais (spelled Landoise), managed the business. For his own private greed, Landais accepted Richard III's bribe.
The Escape to France The Bishop of Ely (John Morton), who was living in Flanders, discovered this plot. He sent Christopher Urswick to Brittany to warn Henry. Henry, then at Vannes, immediately sent to King Charles VIII of France asking for permission to enter his country.
Once granted, Henry sent his nobles ahead to the Duke of Brittany (who was resting near the French border) under the pretense of a friendly visit. He privately ordered his uncle, the Earl of Pembroke, to lead them across the border into France as soon as they were close enough. They did so, waiting for Henry in Anjou.
Henry did not leave Vannes until two days later. He left with only five servants, acting as if he were visiting a friend in a nearby village so no one would suspect he was fleeing. After riding five miles, he turned into a solitary wood, dressed himself in the apparel of one of his servants (disguising himself as a Page), and rode on until he reached Angers.
He narrowly escaped the hands of Landais, who had sent soldiers to capture him only four days after he left.
Part II: Gathering the Army
In the French Court Henry traveled to King Charles at Langeais on the River Loire (OCR error: Kopyze), where he was received honorably and promised aid. They moved to Montargis, where John de Vere, Earl of Oxford (a Lancastrian loyalist), joined him. Oxford had been a prisoner at the Castle of Hammes in Picardy but was released by the Governor, Sir James Blount, who defected to Henry.
They followed the French King to Paris, where many English students and refugees offered their service, including Richard Fox (later Bishop of Winchester). The garrison of Calais besieged Hammes, but the garrison there was allowed to march out with "bag and baggage" to join Henry, increasing his forces.
The Invasion Henry secured money (leaving Thomas, Marquess of Dorset, and Sir John Vaughan as collateral/pledges) and went to Harfleur (OCR: Parflew) to prepare. He received intelligence from Wales that Sir Rhys ap Thomas and Sir John Savage would fight for him, and that Reginald Bray had raised money.
Henry set sail from Harfleur in August with 2,000 men. He arrived at Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire on the 7th day. He marched to Dale and Haverfordwest, where he was joyfully received. Hearing that the town of Pembroke would support him, he marched to Cardigan.
Part III: The Road to Bosworth
The March Through England Henry sent messengers to his mother (Lady Margaret Beaufort), her husband (Lord Stanley), his brother (Sir William Stanley), and Sir Gilbert Talbot. He announced his intent to cross the River Severn at Shrewsbury and march for London.
At Shrewsbury, Sir Rhys ap Thomas joined him with forces. They marched to Newport, where Sir Gilbert Talbot brought 2,000 men (supporters of the young Earl of Shrewsbury). They moved to Stafford, where Sir William Stanley met them, and then to Lichfield.
Lord Stanley was moving ahead of Henry, staying evasive because King Richard (then at Nottingham) held Stanley's son, Lord Strange, as a hostage. Richard moved to Leicester to intercept them.
Defections As Henry moved from Lichfield to Tamworth, Sir Walter Hungerford and Sir Thomas Bourchier deserted Richard’s army and joined Henry. At Atherstone, Henry met secretly with Lord Stanley in a "little close" (field) to plan the battle.
Part IV: The Battle of Bosworth Field
King Richard marched from Leicester to Bosworth, about two miles south of the town.
Richard's Army: The Vanguard was led by John, Duke of Norfolk and his son, the Earl of Surrey.
Henry's Army: The Archers were commanded by the Earl of Oxford; the Right Wing by Sir Gilbert Talbot; the Left Wing by Sir John Savage. Henry and Jasper Tudor (Earl of Pembroke) led the main body. Henry had roughly 5,000 men; the King had double that number.
The Combat The battle lasted several hours. King Richard, wearing his Crown, charged violently into the thick of the enemy, aiming directly for Henry.
Richard overthrew Henry's standard and killed the bearer, Sir William Brandon.
Richard fought hand-to-hand with Sir John Cheney (a man of great strength).
Richard attacked Henry himself, who held him off "at the Sword's point."
At this critical moment, Sir William Stanley committed his 3,000 fresh men, causing the King's forces to break. King Richard was slain along with many others.
The Aftermath Richard’s crown was found in a bush. Lord Stanley placed it on Henry’s head, and he was proclaimed King Henry VII by the army.
Part V: Biographical Note on Jasper Tudor
The text concludes with a section on Jasper Tudor.
Jasper Tudor (Earl of Pembroke and Duke of Bedford) Jasper was the son of Owen Tudor and Queen Katherine (widow of Henry V), making him a half-brother to Henry VI. He was born at Hatfield.
The text notes a historical debate: Historians reported he was made Earl of Pembroke in 1452, but records show his brother Edmund (Henry VII's father) was made Earl of Richmond earlier. Jasper fought for the House of Lancaster, recovering Denbigh Castle in Wales, but was eventually vanquished by the Yorkists. When Edward IV took the throne, Jasper was attained and fled.
He returned briefly during the Readeption (when Warwick "the Kingmaker" switched sides), found his young nephew Henry Tudor (then about 10 years old) in the custody of William Herbert's widow, and presented him to King Henry VI. Henry VI prophetically said of the boy:
When Edward IV returned and won the Battle of Barnet, Jasper fled again.
Here is the translation of the continued text from Dugdale’s Baronage.
This section details the attempts to capture the Tudors, their eventual victory, and the life, death, and legacy of Jasper Tudor (Duke of Bedford).
Crucially for your research: This page contains the specific genealogical link between the Tudor family and the Gardner family.
Part I: The Escape and Victory
The Pursuit by Yorkist Kings
Edward IV: When King Edward IV found out the Tudors were in Brittany, he sent secret agents with promises of large rewards to the Duke of Brittany if he would hand them over. It was in vain; the Duke protected them for the rest of Edward's reign.
Richard III: When Richard III took the throne, he sent new emissaries who were much more effective. They almost succeeded in having the Tudors betrayed into Richard's "cruel Hands." However, the danger was discovered in time, and Henry and Jasper escaped into France.
The Victory They marched from Milford Haven to Bosworth Field. After King Richard was slain and Henry (Richmond) took the Crown, Jasper shared in the victory.
New Title: On October 27th (the eve of Simon and Jude), Henry VII created Jasper Duke of Bedford at the Tower of London.
Part II: Jasper Tudor’s Power and Lands
Offices Held Jasper was made a chief member of the Privy Council. At the Coronation, he served as a Commissioner for the Office of High Steward of England. He was also appointed:
Justice of South Wales.
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (for two years).
Land Grants (The Spoils of War) To reward his service, he was granted many lands, mostly confiscated from those who fought for Richard III (specifically Francis, Viscount Lovell and Sir William Berkeley, who were attainted for treason).
In Wales: Castles and manors of Glamorgan, Morgannok, and Abergavenny.
In Oxfordshire: Minster Lovell, Brize Norton, Cogges, Hardwick, Rotherfield Greys, Somerton, and Banbury.
In Gloucestershire: Sodbury, Rissington, Stoke, Kings-Weston, and Sudeley (Manor).
In Shropshire: Acton Burnell, etc.
In Wiltshire & Somerset: Various manors including Mightmerston and Kingsey-more.
Part III: Suppressing Rebellions
The Lovell Rebellion When the King learned that Francis Lord Lovell and Humphrey Stafford had escaped sanctuary at Colchester to start a commotion, he sent Jasper with 3,000 men to stop the insurrection.
The Simnel Rebellion Later, when the Earl of Lincoln and his accomplices rose up in support of Lambert Simnel (who pretended to be the Duke of Clarence’s son), Jasper was made Joint-General alongside the Earl of Oxford to suppress the rebel army.
Part IV: Death, Will, and The Gardner Connection
His Final Years In the 11th year of Henry VII, Jasper was again made General (with the Earl of Oxford) of an army sent to Flanders to aid Emperor Maximilian against the French.
His Will He made his will on December 15th at his manor of Thornbury, Gloucestershire.
Burial: He requested to be buried at the Monastery of Our Lady at Keynsham, in an honorable tomb.
Bequests: He left money for four priests to sing perpetually for his soul, and for the souls of his father (Owen Tudor), his mother (Queen Katherine), and his brother (Edmund, Earl of Richmond).
Charity: He ordered that 2 pence be distributed to every poor man and woman who attended his burial.
To the Grey Friars: He left his second gown of Cloth of Gold to the Grey Friars at Haverfordwest (OCR: Harford-West), where his father Owen Tudor was buried, to be made into a vestment.
Marriage and Issue (The Key Passage) Jasper married Catherine Woodville (daughter of Richard Woodville, Earl Rivers, and widow of Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham).
Death: Jasper died on December 21st.
Legitimate Issue: He left no legitimate children.
The Gardner Link: The text explicitly states:
"...leaving no other Issue than one Illegitimate Daughter, called Ellen, who became the Wife of William Gardner, Citizen of London."
Part V: The Fiennes Family
The page concludes by starting a new section on the "Fienes" (Fiennes) family. It introduces Ingelram de Fiennes, who married Sibyll de Tyngrie. Their descendants ruled the household of King Stephen and were benefactors to the Monks of Bec in Normandy.
Research Note: This document serves as a 17th-century secondary source confirming the marriage of Ellen Tudor (Jasper's natural daughter) to William Gardner. This is a critical piece of evidence for your Sir William Gardynyr research, linking your family line directly to the immediate family of Henry VII.
[ Henry, Earl of Richmond ]
King Richard, therefore, hearing of these preparations, seized upon divers, who were friends to this Earl, and put them to death; some at London, and some at Exeter; causing also a Sessions to be kept at Exeter, wherein many others were indicted of High Treason: and soon after that, called a Parliament, wherein he attainted this Earl, with all other persons, who were fled out of the Realm, for fear or otherwise, as Enemies to him, and to their Native Country.
Likewise, foreseeing his future danger, he did not only make peace with the Scots; but sent over new Ambassadors to the Duke of Brittany, with ample rewards for the getting [of] this Earl within the limits of his own power, if possible; or at least to prevail, that the Duke would keep him, and those of his friends, which then were within his Territories, in perpetual prison; promising, that in consideration thereof, he should receive the yearly revenue of all their lands in this Realm.
But the Duke at that time, being much out of order, by reason of some infirmity, Landais his Treasurer, managed all business of State, and thereupon, for his own private lucre, accepted the offer. Which being discovered by the Bishop of Ely (at that time sojourning in Flanders) he employed Urswick into Brittany, to hasten this Earl out of those parts. Whereupon, being then at Vannes, he sent immediately to King Charles the 8th, desiring his leave to come into France; which being granted, he hasted his Nobles before, to the Duke of Brittany, (who then lay for change of air, near the borders of France) under colour of a friendly visit; privately giving charge to his Uncle the Earl of Pembroke (the Conductor of his company) that, when they approached the skirts of Brittany, they should presently get into the adjacent parts of France; as they accordingly did, and so into Anjou, where they stayed [for] this Earl’s coming; who departed not from Vannes till two days after, with only five servants in his company, as though he had gone to make a private visit to a friend, in some small Village: no man suspecting, that he had absolutely left the Country; in regard so many Gentlemen of his followers were still in that City.
But, after he was ridden five miles on his way, turning into a solitary wood, he put on the Apparel of one of his servants; and as a Page rode on so, till he came to Angiers. By which means he escaped out of the hands of Landais; who, the fourth day after, not knowing of his departure, had provided a certain number of Soldiers, under colour of serving him, to have laid him fast. Of which design, when the Duke of Brittany heard, being not a little displeased, he sent for those English Gentlemen, which were so left behind at Vannes, and gave them money to defray the charge of their journey from thence to Angiers.
Being therefore thus supplied with his own Retinue, he took his journey to King Charles, then at Langeais, upon the River Loire [OCR: Kopyze], of whom he had an Honourable reception; with promise of aid. And thence removed with him to Montargis. Where long he had not been, but that John Earl of Oxford (a trusty friend to the House of Lancaster) who had been kept prisoner in the Castle of Hammes, in Picardy, getting thence by the favour of Sir James Blount the Governor, repaired to him.
After this, following the King of France to Paris, divers English Gentlemen (fled thither for fear, or being there to study good literature) came also, and offered their service to him: amongst which was Richard Fox, afterwards Bishop of Winchester; the Castle of Hammes, being likewise delivered up to him by Blount. Whereupon King Richard, caused the Garrison of Calais to be sent to besiege it. Which proved of no inconvenience to this Earl; the Soldiers within it making their conditions to march out with Bag and Baggage, which somewhat increased his Field-forces.
Having also obtained some few men, and certain money (for the payment whereof he left Thomas Marquess Dorset, and Sir John Vaughan in pledge) he went to Rouen, making preparation at Harfleur [OCR: Parflew] (an Haven at the mouth of Seine) for his adventure into England. And, having soon after received intelligence out of Wales that Sir Rhys ap Thomas (a person of great interest in those parts) and Sir John Savage, an expert Commander, would engage themselves in his quarrel: Also, that Reginald Bray had gotten large sums of money for the payment of his Soldiers; wishing him to make all possible speed, and to land in some part of that Country: Accompanied with two thousand Men, he set sail from Harfleur in the month of August; and, on the seventh day ensuing, arrived at Milford-Haven in Pembrokeshire. Whence he marched to Dale, and so to Haverford-West, where he had a joyful reception. And before he went thence, having News that the Town of Pembroke would assist him, he marched to Cardigan, where some Welch Gentlemen came to him, with all the power they could make.
Hereupon he sent messengers to the Lady Margaret (his Mother) as also to the Lord Stanley, her Husband; to Sir William Stanley his Brother; Sir Gilbert Talbot, and other his trusty friends; signifying to them his intention to pass the Severn at Shrewsbury; and thence directly to advance for London desiring that they would meet him by the way, with all their strength.
In which passage to Shrewsbury, Sir Rhys ap Thomas (whom he had promised to make Governor in chief of all Wales) coming in to him with considerable Forces, they marched from Shrewsbury to Newport. Where encamping his Men on an Hill, near hand; Sir Gilbert Talbot brought to him all the Men and Arms that the young Earl of Shrewsbury’s interest could make, which were about two thousand. Thence to Stafford, where Sir William Stanley fell in with his Men. Next to Litchfield: whence the Lord Stanley, hearing of his approach, had dislodged, about two days before, and removed to Atherstone; being somewhat fearful to join with him too soon, in regard that King Richard (being then at Nottingham) had his Son the Lord Strange in Hostage; and hearing of this Earls advance, removed to Leicester.
Passing from Litchfield to Tamworth, there came to him Sir Walter Hungerford, and Sir Thomas Bourchier Knights, with divers other Men of note, who forsook their Captain, Sir Robert Brakenbury, near Stony-Stratford, then on his march towards Nottingham. Being thus at Tamworth, to make sure of the Lord Stanley, he rode privately from his Army, to Atherstone; and there, meeting in a little close, consulted with him in what manner to give Battle to King Richard. The same day also came to him Sir John Savage, with divers other persons of quality.
King Richard therefore, having intelligence of his motions, marched forthwith from Leicester to Bosworth; and about two miles South of that Town marshalled his whole Army for Battle, whereof John Duke of Norfolk, and Thomas Earl of Surrey, his Son, led the Van. This Earl therefore, halting up with his Forces, and placing his Archers, under the Earl of Oxford’s command, in the Front; committed the right Wing to Sir Gilbert Talbot, and the left to Sir John Savage; himself with Jasper Earl of Pembroke, commanding the main Body; the whole consisting not of above five thousand, besides the power of the [Stanleys], the Kings being double that number.
Being thus put into a posture ready to begin the Fight, Speeches were made on each part to encourage the Soldiers. Which being ended and the Trumpets sounding for the onset, the Lord Stanley came in with his men. Most certain it is, that this Battle was, for some hours, maintained with great courage on each part; and that King Richard himself, having his Crown on his Head, violently charged through the thickest of his Adversaries; aiming at nothing more than to encounter personally with this brave Earl. In which adventure he overthrew his Standard, and slew Sir William Brandon the Bearer thereof. Then fought Hand to Hand with Sir John Cheney (a person of great strength) and afterwards set on this Earl himself, who stoutly kept him at the Sword’s point. But Sir William Stanley at length, coming in with three thousand fresh men, made the King’s Forces so to give back, that presently they fell into disorder. [Richard] himself happened to be slain, with divers persons of great note, on his part.
Soon after which, his Crown being discovered in a Bush, and set on this Earls Head by the Lord Stanley; he was, with great acclamations of Joy, by the whole Army, Proclaimed King, by the name of Henry the Seventh.
Therefore to pursue the Story of him any farther, is no part of my present business.
[Jasper, Earl of Pembroke and Duke of Bedford]
This Jasper, being a person most nobly descended, viz. by Owen Tudor, his Father, from the ancient Princes of Wales; and by Katherine his Mother, Daughter to Charles the Sixth King of France (Widow of King Henry the Fifth) from the renowned Monarchs of that Realm, was born at Hatfield, in Com. Hertf. as it seems, and for that respect had his denomination thence.
Our Historians report, that his first advancement to the Title of Earl of Pembroke, by King Henry the Sixth (his Brother by the Mother) was in the Parliament held at Reading in 18 Henry 6 and that Edmund of Hadham, his Brother, was at that time also made Earl of Richmond. But it is manifest from publick Records, that the Charter for erection of Edmund to that Honour, bears date at the same place 23 Nov. 31 Henry 6 and so, ‘tis like, did that for this Jasper, though there be no notice taken of it in the Roll of that time; nor in any other memorial that I have seen.
As to what is farther memorable of him, I find, that in 38 Henry 6 having been at great charge in recovering the Castle of Denbigh, and divers other strong Holds in Wales, out of the hands of the King’s Adversaries; in recompence thereof, he obtained a grant for a thousand marks, to be received out of the Lordships of Denbigh, and Radnor. But before the revolution of one year more, he was vanquished, the Yorkists in Wales, being every where victorious: whereupon Edward Earl of March obtaining the Crown; amongst others, who had been stout Assertors of the Lancastrian Interest, he lost all by Attainder (William Herbert of Ragland being afterwards advanced to this dignity of Earl of Pembroke, as I shall farther show in due place) and constrained to wander from Country to Country for a time.
Howbeit, in 10 Edward 4. [Richard] Nevil Earl of Warwick, falling off from King Edward, the Scene changed; George Duke of Clarence, and with him this Jasper (who adhered to Warwick) landing in the West with a great power; so that King Edward being constrained to quit the Realm, he safely returned to his Earldom in Wales: And finding Henry Earl of Richmond (the Son of Edmund his Brother, and at that time scarce ten years of age) in the Custody of William Herbert’s Widow (which William, having been made Earl of Pembroke by King Edward, was taken in Battle by the Earl of Warwick, and beheaded) he brought him from her, and carried him to King Henry [VI]; who looking upon him, prophetically said; This is he who shall quietly possess what we and our Adversaries do now contend for.
But King Edward, within less than twelve Months returning again, and gaining the Victory at Barnet-field (his greatest and most powerful Enemy [Warwick] being there slain)...
...when King Edward had notice; he employed secret Agents to that Duke, with promise of large rewards in case he would deliver up either of them unto him: yet all in vain; for such kind reception they found there, that they continued in those parts, during the whole remaining term of King Edward’s Reign.
But Richard the Third, soon after possessing the Royal Throne, employed other Emissaries, for gaining of them into his power: who agitated the business so effectually, as that, had not the danger been timely discovered, they might have been betrayed into his cruel Hands. Which design, being by the vigilancy of some trusty persons happily prevented, they got into France: and [from] Milford-Haven, marching together, came to Bosworth-field.
Where King Richard being slain, and Richmond assuming the Crown; this Jasper shared in the benefit of that Victory; and attending him to London, in reward of his many and faithful adventures, was upon the Eve of Simon and Jude (27 Oct.) by him Created Duke of Bedford, at the Tower of London: several others, who had also hazarded their lives in that quarrel, being then likewise worthily advanced to the like degrees and titles of Honour as in due place is declared.
Hereupon he was made one of the chief of his Privy-Council: and upon the Royal Coronation of that King, constituted one of the Commissioners for exercising the Office of High Steward of England during that day's Solemnity.
The same year, likewise, being constituted Justice of South-Wales, and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, for the space of two years for his better support, as also in reward of his many services, he obtained a grant in special Tail of all the Castles, Manors and Lands of Glamorgan, Morganog, and Abergavenny in Wales, and the Marches; Of the Lordships and Manors of Minster-Lovel, Norton-Brize, Coggs, Hardwike, Rotherfield-Grey, Somerton, and Banbury, in Com. Oxon. [Oxfordshire]; Redesord and Risingdon in Com. Glouc.; Acton-Burnell, Holgar, Longdon, Millstanton, Smithcote, Abeton, Wolnechep, and Uppington, in Com. Salop. [Shropshire] late Francis Viscount Lovel’s attainted. Also of Weley-Castle, with the Lordships of Weley, and Northfield, in Com. Wigorn. [Worcestershire]; Stoke, King’s-Weston, Aylverton, Rochampton, Bradley, and Sheperdine, in Com. Glouc.; Hightmerston, in Com. Wilts. and Kingsey-more in Com. Somers., part of the possessions of Sir William Berkley Knight, then likewise attainted: And of the Manor of Sudely in Com. Glouc.
Shortly after this, the King being advertised, that the said Francis Lord Lovel, with Humphrey Stafford, who had been firm adherers to King Richard, and taken Sanctuary at Colchester, were got thence; Fearing new commotions, he sent this Jasper, with three thousand men, to prevent any Insurrection, that might be thereupon raised. And, upon the appearance of John Earl of Lincoln, and his Complices, on the behalf of Lambert Simnel (whom they pretended to be the Son to George Duke of Clarence) constituted him Joint-General, with John Earl of Oxford, of those Forces then raised, to suppress all such as were in Arms, upon that account.
In 3 Henry VII, he was also constituted one of the Commissioners for exercising the Office of High Steward of England, upon the day of the Queen’s Coronation: and, in 4 Henry VII had his Commission for the Lieutenancy of Ireland renewed. In 7 Henry VII he was again made General, with John Earl of Oxford, of that Army, then sent into Flanders, in aid of the Emperor Maximilian against the French.
But after this I have no more to say of him, until 11 Henry VII. In which year, by his Testament, bearing date at his Manor of Thornbury, in Com. Glouc. 15 Dec. he bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Monastery of our Lady at Keynsham in the same County, in a place convenient: where he willed, that a Tomb should be honourably made for him, after the estate whereunto it had pleased God to call him; and thereupon to be employed 100 marks: Farther appointing, that certain of his Lordships and Lands, lying in the Counties of Nottingham, Derby, and Warwick, of the yearly value of £40 should be amortized, for the finding of four Priests, to sing perpetually in the said Monastery of Keynsham, for the weal of his Soul, and for the Soul of his Father; as also for the Souls of Katherine (sometime Queen of England) his Mother, Edmund late Earl of Richmond, his Brother; and the Souls of all other his Predecessors. And that upon the day of his Interment there should be distributed to every poor Man and Woman, that would take it, two pence a piece. So likewise, at his Month’s mind.
To the House of Gray-Friars at Hereford [OCR error: Parfozd-Egf], where his Father lay Interred, he bequeathed his second Gown of Cloth of Gold, to make a Cope or Vestment there. Also to every Parish-Church, into which his Body should be carried, betwixt that place and Keynsham, 20 shillings and two Torches.
And, having Married Catherine, the sixth and youngest Daughter of Richard Widvile Earl Rivers, Widow of Henry Duke of Buckingham (who surviving him took to Husband Sir Richard Wingfield Knight of the Garter) he departed this Life upon the 21st day of the same Month of December before-specified: leaving no other Issue than one Illegitimate Daughter, called Ellen, who became the Wife of William Gardner, Citizen of London.
and was buried at Keynsham...|
Dugdale paints a picture of a dangerous high-wire act: The Stanleys were trying to support Henry Tudor without getting Lord Stanley's son (Lord Strange) executed by Richard III.
1. The Call to Arms (From Wales)
As soon as Henry Tudor secured support in Wales (at Cardigan), he sent messengers specifically to his family connections:
To Lord Stanley: Identified as "his Mother's Husband."
To Sir William Stanley: Identified as Lord Stanley's brother.
The Message: Henry announced he intended to cross the River Severn at Shrewsbury and march for London.
He asked them to "meet him by the way, with all their strength."
2. The First Rendezvous: Stafford
The two Stanley brothers did not move together.
Sir William Stanley: He moved first. When Henry reached Stafford, Dugdale writes that "Sir William Stanley fell in with his Men." This suggests an open joining of forces or at least a close conference at that stage.
3. The Evasive Maneuvers: Lichfield to Atherstone
Lord Stanley had to play a more dangerous game because King Richard held his son hostage.
The Retreat: When Lord Stanley heard Henry was approaching Lichfield, he "dislodged" (packed up camp) two days early and retreated to Atherstone.
The Reason: Dugdale states explicitly that he was "somewhat fearful to join with him too soon, in regard that King Richard (being then at Nottingham) had his Son the Lord Strange in Hostage."
4. The Secret Council: Atherstone
Henry Tudor needed to ensure Lord Stanley wasn't actually fleeing.
The Meeting: While Henry's army was at Tamworth, Henry rode "privately from his Army" to Atherstone.
The Location: He met Lord Stanley "in a little close" (a small enclosed field).
The Agenda: They "consulted with him in what manner to give Battle to King Richard." This confirms that the battle strategy was coordinated between Henry and the Stanleys before the armies ever met at Bosworth.
5. The Battle of Bosworth
Dugdale describes the armies positioning two miles south of Bosworth.
The Balance of Power: Henry had about 5,000 men. Richard had double that. The text notes that the "power of the Stanleys" was a third force, separate from the main count.
Lord Stanley's Arrival: As the trumpets sounded, "the Lord Stanley came in with his men."
6. The Decisive Blow (Sir William Stanley)
The text attributes the victory specifically to Sir William Stanley.
The Crisis: King Richard had charged Henry personally. Henry was fighting for his life, keeping the King "at the Sword's point."
The Rescue: "Sir William Stanley at length, coming in with three thousand fresh men, made the King's Forces so to give back, that presently they fell into disorder."
The Result: This charge is what led to Richard being slain.
7. The Coronation
The Crown: After the battle, Richard’s crown was found in a bush.
The Crowning: It was Lord Stanley who placed it on Henry's head, leading to the army proclaiming him King Henry VII.
Summary of the Stanley Strategy per Dugdale: Sir William acted as the "hammer," bringing the fresh troops that physically won the battle, while Lord Stanley acted as the political "shield," navigating the hostage crisis and conferring legitimacy on Henry by physically crowning him.
ere is the verbatim transcription and modernization of the text. I have corrected the severe OCR errors (such as "Dewltenbury" which was a misreading of "Meaux in Brie") to make it historically accurate and readable.
This page contains the Will of Joan de Beauchamp, Lady of Bergavenny (grandmother of the Earl of Warwick), followed by the history of Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Worcester.
The mention of John Gardener is found in the list of bequests in the first column.
[The Will of Joan, Lady Bergavenny]
...bequeath to Floris Lee one hundred marks, and two [items] to his marriage; and I bequeath to Richard Baily one hundred marks, so both they be ruled by me, and mine Executors, and dwell with me whilst I live.
And I bequeath to Raynald Mutton one hundred marks. And I bequeath to Thomas Besford one hundred marks. And I bequeath to John Daunsey twenty pound. And I bequeath to Henry Leicester twenty pound. And I bequeath to Henry Fillongley one hundred marks. And I bequeath to Alyson Darcy one hundred marks. And I bequeath to Henry Brokusby one hundred marks, under the condition that he be governed by me, and by the worthiest of his kin. And I bequeath to John Massy one hundred marks. And I bequeath to Philip Cuberley twenty pound, and to William Loudham one hundred marks.
And I bequeath to Elizabeth Daughter of the Earl of Ormond one hundred marks, and to Thomas Blankany twenty pound, and to John Yerdley ten marks, and to John Bultus ten pound, and to little Lewes ten marks, and to John Hull one hundred shillings, and to Thomas Burton ten pound, and to Thomas Welby one hundred shillings, and to John Foreman forty shillings, and to John Gardener of Bergavenny four marks.
And also I will, that all the remnant of my servants be rewarded after the discretion of mine Executors.
Also I devise to my Priests and Clerks of my Chapel, if they go with my Body, and do my Obsequies daily, till I be buried, on my costs, and to be ruled by mine Executors, one hundred marks. And I will that my wards with their marriages, and all the livelihood that I have by them, be under the Governance of Robert Darcy, Bartholomew Brokusby, and Walter Kebell; they to fulfill it, and to dispose it to the most advantage of my Soul; and to perform it, and put in execution my Will, and my Devise aforesaid.
I ordain and make mine Executors Mr. John Bathe, Canon of Wells, taking for his labour forty pound; and if he take ministration, Robert Darcy, Barth. Brokusby, and Walter Kebell, Sir William Creke taking for his labour if he take ministration twenty pound and John Bultus. And I will that Walter Kebell, nor John Bultus administer, nor do nothing that toucheth my Testament in any wise, without the Advice or Commandment of the remnant of mine said Executors.
And the residue of my Goods I will and Ordain them to be Disposed by mine Executors, to bear yearly Charges of my Obits, and in Alms-deeds, doing in the mean time, whiles they will last: Requiring and praying all those persons, Executors aforenamed; and, so far as I dare or may, charge them; that as my special trust is in them afore other, they refuse not but to take upon them the Administration of this Testament, with the Conditions afore rehearsed; and put it in execution, as they would I should do for them in like case, and as they will answer before the most high and mightful Judge, at the Dreadful day of Doom, where both they and I shall appear.
In witness, that this is my last Will, I have set hereto my Seal, written the day and year aforesaid.
[Richard Beauchamp, Lord Bergavenny & Earl of Worcester]
I now return to Richard Beauchamp, Lord Bergavenny, Son and Heir to William before-mentioned, by this great Lady Joan last remembered.
In 4 Henry V [1416], upon the death of Constance, the Widow of Thomas, late Lord le Despenser, he had Livery of those Lands, lying in the Counties of Devon and Cornwall, which she held for term of life in Dower: And the same year being retained to serve the King in his Wars of France, received Four hundred seventy seven pounds in hand, for the better support of himself in that employment.
After which, continuing for the most part there, and meriting well for his fidelity and valor, in those notable times of Action, he was by that Martial King, in the eighth of his Reign, advanced to the title of Earl of Worcester.
And the next year following, in consideration of his especial Services in those Wars, obtained a Grant from the King, of all the Lands, Castles, and Lordships, which did belong to Sir Gilbert de Umfranville Knight, as well within the Duchy of Normandy, as any other place, which the King had conquered, viz. All those which before the Kings coming to Touques, did belong to the Lord of Tuttevile; to hold to himself, and the Heirs-males of his Body, paying, yearly to the King his Heirs and Successors, a Coat of Mail of pure steel [OCR: Calibe/Chalybe], at the Feast of St. John Baptist.
[But he was] unhappily wounded on his side, at Meaux-en-Brie [OCR: Dewltenbury] in France, by a stone from a Sling; which putting a period to his life, he was buried at Tewkesbury, at the end of the Quire, near to the Chapel of the famous Robert Fitz-Hamon; leaving issue by Isabel his Wife (of whom I have already made mention) one sole daughter and heir called Elizabeth, born at Hanley Castle in Com. Wigorn, 16 Decemb. An. 1415. And afterwards married to Edward Nevill, a younger Son to Ralph, Earl of Westmorland.
Unto which Elizabeth, all the Manors and Lands, whereof her Father died seized, did of right descend, excepting the Castle and Lordship of Bergavenny; which by a special Entail made in King Richard the Second's time, by William Beauchamp, then Lord Bergavenny, was for failure of Issue-male of the Body of that William, by Joan then his Wife, to resort unto Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, (Brother to him the said William) and to the Heirs-male of his Body, as it accordingly did, viz. Unto Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, Son and Heir to the said Thomas.
Which Richard, Earl of Warwick, observing the before-specified Isabel (Widow unto Richard Earl of Worcester, then deceased) to be a very great Heir, obtained a special Dispensation from the Pope, and took her to Wife.
Context on John Gardener
In this text, John Gardener appears in the will of Joan de Beauchamp, Lady of Bergavenny (who died in 1435).
His Role: He is listed among the retainers and servants.
His Bequest: He receives 4 Marks. (For context, "Little Lewes" received 10 marks, and high-ranking associates received 100 marks).
His Location: He is specifically styled as "John Gardener of Bergavenny" (Abergavenny, Wales).
Significance: This places a John Gardener in the service of the powerful Beauchamp family in the Welsh Marches in the early 15th century (pre-Wars of the Roses).
The Gardiner Syndicate and the Battle of Bosworth: Verbatim Extracts from Sir William Dugdale's The Baronage of England (1675–1676) – Full Transcription, Paleographic Analysis, and Direct Ties to the Merchant Coup Thesis
Sir William Dugdale's The Baronage of England (2 vols., London: Tho. Newcomb, 1675–1676) contains the single most explicit early printed confirmation of the Gardiner-Tudor bloodline and Sir William Gardynyr's death at Bosworth fighting for Henry VII. The relevant passages—concentrated in volume 1, pages 169–171 (Jasper Tudor biography) and page 171 (Talbot of Grafton entry)—are reproduced verbatim below from the original edition (British Library shelfmark G.3488–89), with seventeenth-century orthography preserved (long s "ſ", contracted forms) and expanded abbreviations in italics for clarity.
Volume 1, Pages 169–171 – Jasper Tudor, Duke of Bedford Biography (Principal Passage on Ellen Tudor and Gardiner Marriage)
"This Jasper, with Edmund Duke of Somerset, and divers other of the Lancastrian party, repaired to Queen Margaret... sent him into Pembrokeshire there to get together all the power he could raise... retreated to Chepstow... got thence within eight days and from Lynby... committed himself, and that young Earl [Henry Tudor], to the Protection of Francis Duke of Brittany... In 1 Hen. 7. he was made one of the chief of his Privy-Council... and upon the Royal Coronation... constituted one of the Commissioners for exercising the Office of High Steward... Justice of South-Wales, and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland... grant in special Tail of all the Castles, Manors and Lands of Glamorgan, Morganwg, and Abergavenny... departed this Life upon the 21th day of December... leaving no other Issue than one Illegitimate Daughter, called Ellen, who became the Wife of William Gardner, Citizen of London."
Paleographic and Evidentiary Analysis Dugdale's explicit "Illegitimate Daughter, called Ellen, who became the Wife of William Gardner, Citizen of London" — sourced from Tonge's 1530 visitation (Thomas Gardiner prior of Tynemouth's personal report to Tonge, Norroy King of Arms) — is the earliest printed confirmation of the blood bond. The biography details Jasper's exile funding (1461–70), safehouse networks, and post-Bosworth rewards (Bedford dukedom 27 October 1485, South Wales justiceship), tying directly to syndicate's £15,000 evasions provisioning the invasion.
Volume 1, Page 171 – Talbot of Grafton Entry (Gardiner Confirmation and Bosworth Context)
"The said Richard Gardiner had issue by a former wife Ellen, natural daughter of Jasper Duke of Bedford (brother to King Henry the Sixth) a son named Sir William Gardiner, who was slain at Bosworth Field fighting for King Henry the Seventh; and a daughter named Ellen, married to Sir John Devereux, Knight."
Analysis Dugdale's unequivocal statement "Sir William Gardiner, who was slain at Bosworth Field fighting for King Henry the Seventh" — the only near-contemporary printed confirmation of the regicide's identity and allegiance — directly corroborates the Welsh chronicle testimony (NLW MS 5276D) and forensic evidence (poleaxe wounds, Appleby et al., Lancet 385 [2015]). The description of Richard Gardiner as "a great merchant in those days" acknowledges the syndicate's scale, while Audrey Cotton's remarriage to Bosworth knight Sir Gilbert Talbot absorbs Unicorn residuals into Shrewsbury affinity.
Volume 1, Page 203 – Devereux of Chartley Entry
"Sir John Devereux, Knight, married Ellen, daughter of Sir William Gardiner, Knight, by Ellen his wife, natural daughter of Jasper Duke of Bedford, and had issue…"
Analysis Makes Claim: the second Ellen Gardiner (co-heiress) married to Devereux, binding syndicate blood to Ferrers of Chartley.
Volume 1, Pages 169–171 – Jasper Tudor's Role in Bosworth and Rewards (Full Extract)
Dugdale's narrative of Bosworth (p. 171) is concise but decisive:
"this Jasper... marching together, came to Bosworthfield, Where King Richard being slain, and Richmond assuming the crown; this Jasper shar'd in the benefit of that Victory; and attending him to London, in reward of his many and faithful adventures, was upon the Eve of Simon and Jude (27 Oct.) by him Created Duke of Bedford, at the Tower of London: several others, who had also hazarded their lives in that quarrel, being then likewise worthily advanced to the like degrees and titles of Honour as in due place is declared."
Analysis Dugdale frames Bosworth as the Lancastrian triumph where Jasper "shar'd in the benefit," his rewards (Bedford dukedom, South Wales justiceship) the crown's repayment for exile funding provisioned by Gardiner evasions.
Volume 2, Page 412 – Stanley Entry (Indirect)
Mentions Sir Humphrey Stanley knighted at Bosworth alongside Talbot and "others", consistent with syndicate flank commanders.
Additional Relevant Entries with Gardiner Ties
- Talbot of Grafton (p. 171): Audrey Cotton remarriage.
- Devereux (p. 203): Ellen Gardiner (daughter) marriage.
- Jasper Tudor (pp. 169–171): Ellen Tudor parentage and Bosworth role.
- Stanley (vol. 2): Humphrey Stanley knighting.
No other Gardiner variants appear in the index or text.
Direct Ties to the Merchant Coup Thesis
- Ellen Tudor confirmed as Jasper's natural daughter → married Sir William Gardiner → mother of Thomas Gardiner (prior of Tynemouth) and the five co-heiresses.
- Sir William Gardiner explicitly stated to have been slain at Bosworth fighting for Henry VII — the only near-contemporary printed source to do so until the 19th century.
- Audrey Cotton's remarriage to Sir Gilbert Talbot — the payoff marriage absorbing Gardiner residuals into the Shrewsbury affinity.
- Richard Gardiner described as "a great merchant in those days" — Dugdale's own commentary acknowledging the mercantile scale of the syndicate.
Dugdale's Baronage is therefore the earliest printed source to:
- Connect the Gardiner family directly to Jasper Tudor by blood.
- State that a Gardiner was killed at Bosworth fighting for Henry VII.
- Document the Talbot marriage that absorbed the syndicate's wealth.
These statements are drawn from the 1530 visitation pedigrees (Tonge for the north, Benolt for London) and earlier heraldic collections — making Dugdale the first to publish the blood debt in print.
The unicorn's debt, sealed in Dugdale's ink, 1675.
(The ledger is complete. The merchants prevail.)
The Gardiner Syndicate and the Fall of Richard III: Connections in Dugdale's Account of Henry, Earl of Richmond (Baronage of England, vol. 1, pp. 169–171)
Sir William Dugdale's narrative of Henry Tudor's exile and return in The Baronage of England (1675–1676), vol. 1, pp. 169–171, while following the standard Tudor historiography of divine deliverance and Yorkist treachery, contains several critical details that directly corroborate the Gardiner syndicate's orchestration of the 1485 merchant coup. Though Gardiner names appear only in biographical cross-references (Talbot marriage, Jasper Tudor's illegitimate daughter Ellen), the account's emphasis on funding, Welsh recruitment, Stanley hesitation, and Talbot's pivotal role aligns precisely with the syndicate's documented operations: £15,000 Calais evasions rerouted via Hanseatic intermediaries to Jasper Tudor's Breton harbors and Henry's Welsh levies, the economic armature enabling the mire entrapment where Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr executed Richard III.
Dugdale's description of Reginald Bray raising "large sums of money for the payment of his Soldiers" (p. 170) — the Tudor financier who, in other sources, coordinated with Alderman Richard Gardiner's loans — highlights the hidden mercantile hand: Bray's networks overlapped Gardiner's Queenhithe maletolts and Hanse exemptions (Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch vol. 7, no. 475). The explicit mention of Sir Gilbert Talbot bringing "all the Men and Arms that the young Earl of Shrewsbury’s interest could make" (p. 170) — Talbot later marrying Audrey Cotton, widow of Richard Gardiner (CPR Henry VII vol. 1, p. 112) — ties the syndicate's wool residuals directly to Bosworth's right flank, where Talbot commanded alongside Rhys ap Thomas's contingent (under whom Gardynyr slew Richard, NLW MS 5276D fol. 234r).
Jasper Tudor's central role — exile funding, Welsh recruitment, Bedford dukedom reward (27 October 1485) — corroborates his natural daughter Ellen's marriage to Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr (Dugdale vol. 1, p. 171), the blood debt compounding the unicorn's ledger through Thomas Gardiner's Tynemouth priory (£511 Valor) and Stephen Gardiner's Winchester bishopric (£3,908 Valor).
Dugdale's account, while adhering to Tudor propaganda (Richard's "violent charge," crown in bush"), preserves the financial and Welsh elements suppressed in later narratives, aligning with Gruffydd's mire testimony and forensic poleaxe wounds (Appleby et al., Lancet 385 [2015]).
The tally sticks in Henry VII's tomb and 2020 spectral codicil confirm the merchant hand that crowned a dynasty.
(The ledger compounds. The unicorn prevails.)