Thomas Stanley, 1st Baron Stanley facts for kids

The Stanley family's coat of arms. It shows three buck's heads on a blue stripe.

The coat of arms of Sir Thomas Stanley, 1st Baron Stanley.

Sir Thomas Stanley, 1st Baron Stanley, was an important figure in England during the 1400s. He was also known as the King of Mann, which was a special title for the ruler of the Isle of Man. Born around 1405, he lived in Lathom and Knowsley, areas in Lancashire, England. Sir Thomas held many powerful jobs for the King of England. He was a Privy Councillor, which meant he advised the King. He also managed the King's household as the Comptroller of the Royal Household. From 1431 to 1436, he was in charge of Ireland as its Lieutenant-Governor. He was also a Knight of the Shire for Lancashire, a top official in Chester, and a Chamberlain in North Wales. In 1455, he became the Lord Chamberlain, a very high position in the royal court. In 1456, he was officially called to Parliament as Lord Stanley, making him a baron.

Life of Sir Thomas Stanley

Sir Thomas Stanley was the son of Sir John Stanley, who also came from important families in Liverpool and Lancashire. Thomas followed in his father's footsteps, representing Lancashire in the House of Commons many times between 1427 and 1455. The House of Commons is where elected representatives make laws.

In 1424, while at his father's home in Liverpool, Sir Thomas was attacked by another knight, Sir Richard Molyneaux. Sir Richard was later arrested for this. Sir Thomas's family had a long history of helping to govern Ireland. His grandfather, also named Sir John Stanley, had been a top judge and governor there. In 1429, Sir Thomas himself was sent to Ireland. He even called a meeting of the Irish Parliament in 1432 to discuss important matters.

In 1437, Sir Thomas became the King of Mann after his father, John Stanley, passed away. This made him the ruler of the Isle of Man, a small island between England and Ireland. During a Parliament meeting in Westminster around 1450-1451, some members of the House of Commons wanted Sir Thomas and others removed from the King's presence. This happened because they were seen as being too close to the Duke of Suffolk, who was not popular at the time.

Family Life and Children

Sir Thomas Stanley married Joan Goushill (1401–1466). She was the eldest daughter of Sir Robert Goushill and Elizabeth Fitzalan. Elizabeth was also the daughter of a powerful nobleman, Richard Fitzalan, the 11th Earl of Arundel. Sir Thomas and Joan had four sons and three daughters:

• Thomas Stanley (1435–1504): He was the oldest son and inherited his father's titles. In 1485, King Henry VII made him the Earl of Derby. This was a reward for his crucial help in the Battle of Bosworth, which helped Henry VII become king. Thomas married twice. His second wife was Lady Margaret Beaufort, who was the mother of King Henry VII.
• William Stanley (c.1435–1495): He was the second son. King Henry VII made him a Knight of the Garter in 1487, which is a very high honor. However, he was later executed in 1495. This happened because he was accused of being involved in a plot against the King, known as the Perkin Warbeck conspiracy.
• Sir John Stanley: He was an ancestor of the later Barons Stanley of Alderley family.
• James Stanley: He became an Archdeacon of Chester, which is a high position in the church.
• Elizabeth Stanley: She married two times. Her first husband was Sir Richard Molyneux, who died in the Battle of Blore Heath in 1459. Her second husband was Thomas Strange.
• Margaret Stanley: She also married several times. Her first husband, Sir William Troubeck, died in the Battle of Blore Heath in 1459. She later married Sir John Boteler and then Henry Grey, 4th (7th) Baron Grey of Codnor. Her grandson, Sir William Griffith, became the Chamberlain of North Wales.
• Katherine Stanley: She married Sir John Savage. They had many sons. Their oldest son, Sir John Savage, was also a Knight of the Garter. He led a part of Henry Tudor's army at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Another son, Sir Christopher Savage, died in the Battle of Flodden. And another son, Thomas Savage, became the Archbishop of York, a very important church leader.

Death and Burial

Sir Thomas Stanley passed away on February 11, 1459. He was buried at Burscough Priory, which was close to his home in Lathom, Lancashire. His wife, Joan, was later buried there as well.