Backstabber Report

Thomas Stanley Backstabs His Hostage Son

Thomas Stanley was born about 1435 and became 1st Earl of Derby, a created title for supporting Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, who became the first English monarch of the Tudor dynasty by his victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field, a determination in The War of The Roses and his ultimate achievment of becoming King Henry VII, father of King Henry VIII.

Thomas Stanley may be excused for backstabbing King Richard III, who he promised to support against Henry before the battle, because King Richard was holding Thomas’ son hostage. King Richard, on the other hand may have taken that extreme measure because he had briefly imprisoned Thomas in 1483 on suspicion of conspiracy. It’s conceivable that Richard III might not be so trusting of one who might have held a grudge for being imprisoned in unfriendly surroundings.

In any event the Battle of Bosworth Field begins and victory is uncertain due to Stanley’s hesitation at entering for he was watching it unfold from a distance. When it seemed the battle was turning in Henry’s favor, Stanley took his action and finally entered – on the side of Henry, ensuring his victory and the gratitude of a new King.

However, we need to get back to Thomas’ son. Seeing that Stanley was fighting for Henry, the son paid the price and was executed before the combat ended, supposedly at the direct order of Richard III.

Backstabbed by his own father, who put aside the safety of his son.

In recognition, Henry VII created him Earl of Derby on October 27, 1485 and his fortunes continued to flourish.