William de la Pole (1478–1539) facts for kids

Sir William de la Pole (born 1478 – died 1539) was an English nobleman. He was a Knight from Wingfield Castle in Wingfield, Suffolk.

William was the son of John de la Pole, 2nd Duke of Suffolk and Elizabeth Plantagenet. Through his mother, William was related to the royal family. This connection meant he was in line to become king, which caused big problems for him later on.

Early Life and Family Connections

William de la Pole was part of a very important family. His mother, Elizabeth Plantagenet, was the sister of King Edward IV. This made William and his brothers nephews to a former king.

Brothers and Royal Claims

William had several brothers, including John de la Pole, 1st Earl of Lincoln, Edmund de la Pole, 3rd Duke of Suffolk, and Richard de la Pole. Because they were so closely related to King Edward IV, the de la Pole family had a strong claim to the English throne. Their claim was even stronger than that of King Henry VII, who was the ruler at the time.

King Henry VII was worried about anyone who might try to take his throne. Even if William de la Pole did not want to be king himself, his family background made King Henry very suspicious of him.

Marriage and Family Life

Around 1497, William de la Pole married Katherine Stourton. Katherine was older than William and had been married before. They did not have any children together.

Imprisonment in the Tower of London

In 1501, a plan was discovered that involved William's brothers. They were accused of plotting against King Henry VII. William's brothers, Edmund and Richard, ran away from England. William did not flee with them. Even though he stayed, King Henry VII did not trust him.

A Long Imprisonment

Because of the plot, William de la Pole was arrested. He was sent to the Tower of London, a famous prison. He stayed there for 37 years until he died. This was one of the longest times anyone had ever been held prisoner in the Tower of London.

William de la Pole died sometime between October and November 1539 while still a prisoner.