John Stanley (KG) facts for kids
Sir John Stanley (born around 1350, died 1414) was an important figure in English history. He lived in Lathom, a place near Ormskirk in Lancashire. Sir John was a Knight of the Order of the Garter, which is a very special award given by the King.
He held important positions like the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, which meant he was the King's main representative there. He was also known as the titular King of Mann, meaning he had the title of King of the Isle of Man. Sir John was the first person with his name to hold these titles. He became very wealthy and powerful after marrying Isabel Lathom, who was a rich heiress. This marriage, along with his own skills, helped him become much more important than most younger sons of noble families.
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Who Was Sir John Stanley?
Sir John Stanley was the second son of Sir William Stanley of Stourton. His mother was Alice Massey from Timperley, Cheshire. His father, Sir William, was in charge of the Forest of Wirral.
Family Life and Marriage
In 1385, Sir John Stanley married Isabel Lathom. She was the daughter and only heir of Sir Thomas Lathom, who owned a lot of land in Lancashire. This marriage was very important for Sir John. It gave him great wealth that he wouldn't have had otherwise, especially as a younger son.
Sir John and Isabel had four sons and two daughters. Their children included:
- Sir John Stanley (died 1437), who was their oldest son and inherited his father's titles.
- Henry Stanley
- Thomas Stanley
- Ralph Stanley
The Stanley Family Crest
The Stanley family adopted the special crest of the Lathom family. This crest shows an eagle with its wings spread, holding a child wrapped in a red cloth in a golden cradle.
There's an old story, sometimes called "the Stanley Legend," about this crest. One version says that a Lord of Lathom, who was very old and had no children, found a baby brought by an eagle to its nest. He adopted the baby, named him Oskell, and made him his heir. This Oskell later became the father of Isabel Stanley, who married Sir John.
Today, you can still see this crest. Many pubs in England are called "The Eagle and Child." These pubs are often in areas that were once owned by the Stanley family.
Sir John Stanley's Career
Sir John Stanley had a very active career, serving the King in many ways.
Early Military Service
Even though he faced some legal troubles early in his life, Sir John quickly became known for his military skills. He served in wars against France. Because of his good service, he was pardoned for past issues in 1378.
Working in Ireland
In 1386, Sir John was first sent to Ireland. He went there to help settle problems between English leaders. He led a successful mission for King Richard II. Because of his success, he was made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. This was a very important job, making him the King's main representative in Ireland. He held this role until 1388.
Later, from 1389 to 1391, King Richard II appointed him as the Justiciar of Ireland. This meant he was a chief judge and administrator. He was also deeply involved in King Richard's trips to Ireland in the 1390s.
Changing Sides and New Opportunities
During the 1390s, Sir John also helped keep peace in Cheshire, England. He was in charge of Roxburgh Castle for a few years. In 1399, he joined King Richard II on another trip to Ireland.
However, when he returned to England, Sir John made a smart political move. He decided to support King Henry IV of England, who was from the House of Lancaster. This was a big change, but it helped Sir John's career continue to grow.
Under the Lancastrian Kings
Sir John Stanley continued to do well under the new Lancastrian kings. He was given lands in the Welsh border areas. He also served another term as Lieutenant of Ireland.
In 1403, he became the Steward of the Household for Henry, Prince of Wales, who later became King Henry V. This meant he managed the Prince's household. Sir John supported the King during a rebellion by the Percy family. He was injured in the throat during the Battle of Shrewsbury.
In 1405, he was given control of the Isle of Man. This island had been taken from a rebellious nobleman. During this time, he also became the Steward of the Household for King Henry IV and was made a Knight of the Garter. In 1413, King Henry V sent him back to Ireland to serve as Lieutenant again. He called a meeting of the Irish Parliament in Dublin that year.
Death
Sir John Stanley died in 1414 in Ardee, Ireland. His body was brought back to his home in Lathom and buried at Burscough Priory.
Important Roles Held by Sir John Stanley
Throughout his career, Sir John Stanley held many important positions:
- Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1386–1388)
- Justiciar of Ireland (1389–1391)
- Justice of Chester (1394)
- Controller of the Royal Household (1399)
- Lieutenant of Ireland (1399–1401)
- Steward of the Household to the Prince of Wales (around 1403), who later became King Henry V
- Surveyor of the Forests of Macclesfield, Mare, and Mondrem, Cheshire (1403)
- Governor of the City and County of Cheshire (1403)
- Knight of the Order of the Garter (around 1405)
- Steward of Macclesfield (1406)
- Sovereign Lord of the Isle of Man (1406), granted by King Henry IV of England
- Constable of Windsor Castle (1409)
- Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (second term) (1413–1414)
A Possible Poet?
Some people have suggested that Sir John Stanley might have been the famous "Gawain Poet." This poet wrote the well-known story Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The motto of the Garter, "Honi soit qui mal y pense" (meaning "Shame on him who thinks evil of it"), appears at the end of that poem. Also, the poet knew a lot about hunting and armor, which Sir John would have known. Scholars believe the poet's language came from an area near where Sir John lived.
See also
- History Of Liverpool- Stanley Family Page
- Audley-Stanley family for Ancestors and descendants of John I Stanley
- Lathom Wikipedia article containing Stanley & Lathom history
