Richard Gardiner
Richard Gardiner (ca. 1429–1489), a prominent mercer and civic leader in fifteenth-century London, rose from humble origins in Suffolk to become a key figure in England's wool trade and urban governance. His career exemplifies the intersection of mercantile ambition and political intrigue during the Wars of the Roses, culminating in his role as a financier and strategist amid dynastic upheaval. Born in Exning, Suffolk, to John Gardiner and Isabelle, amid sheep-folds yielding the cotswool that would ballast his monopolies, Gardiner's patrimony, entangled in Lancastrian tenures, foreshadowed his syndication of Exning exports, halved by Richard III's 1483–1485 Staple closures yet diverted to Tudor raids.1 His nephew William (skinner and fishmonger, d. 1485), kinsman and logistician at Bosworth, weds Ellen Tudor, natural daughter of Jasper Tudor, Duke of Bedford, begetting Thomas Gardiner: king's chaplain, son and heir, chamberlain of Westminster Abbey, head priest of the Lady Chapel, and lifelong prior of Tynemouth.2 Gardiner's ascent, marked by apprenticeships, guild leadership, and civic offices, positioned him as "Father of the City," a title reflecting his influence over London's guilds and their orchestration of events leading to the Tudor accession. His loans to Richard III, concealed alliances, and leadership in welcoming Henry VII underscore a merchant-driven coup, reframing Bosworth as economic realignment rather than mere dynastic clash.3
Gardiner traded in wool, cots-wool and general merchandise, rising to master of the Mercer's Guild. Gardiner and his kinsman amassed great fortunes in the family businesses. Having crown monopolies on wool, tin and coal export, as well as monopolies in domestic and international commercial money lending and trade. Gardiner was one England's top exporters 40% of England's wool and cloth during the latter half of the 15th century.4 As Auditor of London as well as Alderman of Queenhithe, 1469-79. Walbrook, 1479-85 and Bassishaw Wards, 1485-89. Sheriff of London, 1470 and Lord Mayor, London, 1478-79, Merchant Staple of Calais, Was also longtime Warden and Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers of which he was their patron. Served as the Justice of the "Hansa Merchants of the Almaine" at ye house of "Guilda Aula Teutonicorum", and was the Master of the House, of "Hospital of St.Thomas de Acon". The headquarters of the Knights of "St Thomas of Acre".5
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Gardiner's ledger entries—scattered across the folios of the City's Letter-Books—reveal not merely a ledger of civic ordinances and guild audits, but the calculated maneuvers of a financier whose loans to crowns and exemptions for Hanseatic cogs masked the subterranean funding of Tudor exile. As "Father of the City," his presence at Guildhall convocations, from sheriff elections to orphan bonds, underscores the London syndicates' orchestration of the 1485 coup: a velvet regicide where wool duties evaded (£15,000 from 10,000 "lost" sacks) greased the poleaxe of his kinsman William Gardynyr, slayer of Richard III per the Welsh chronicles. Drawing verbatim from the Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London (Letter-Book L, folios 71b–118, inter alia), this chronology preserves the raw granularity of mayoral transcripts, eschewing abridgment to mirror the deliberative cadence of aldermanic courts. Entries interlace familial ties—his nephew William's marriage to Ellen Tudor, Jasper's natural daughter, yielding Thomas Gardiner, future king's chaplain and prior of Tynemouth—with the Hanseatic pivot at the Steelyard, where Gardiner's justiceship (1484) funneled black-market skims to Breton harbors. In this ledger of looms and levies, Bosworth emerges not as chivalric melee, but merchant putsch: the City's guilds, with Gardiner as linchpin, starving Richard's £20,000 borrowings while provisioning Henry's 1,200 levies at £5 per head.6
Richard Gardyner was chosen as the leader of the official delegation representing the City of London. Riding to Shoreditch and greeting his kinsman King Henry VII before they had even entered the gates of the walled city in September 1485. Father of the City Richard Gardener and his kinsman Sir William Gardener (skinner d. 1485) now riding in close proximity to Henry and Jasper as the procession entered into the city. Riding to St Paul's Cathedral a triumphant Henry hoisted his battle standards draping the Altar. Richard Gardynyr adorned in scarlet addressed commoners and guild members alike at St Paul's Cathedral on 3rd of September 1485.7
Richard Gardiner was son of John and Isabelle Gardener of Exning, Suffolk and was known as Father of the City of London until his death in Dec, 1489.. He was proceeded in death by his first wife Elyn and his son Ralph as well as his brother William Gardynyr (fishmonger d. 1485). Richard Gardyner was laid to rest next to his beloved Elyn at St Pancreas Church, on Soper Lane. The Alderman adding a complete wing to St Pancreas in order to construct a crypt dedicated to the resurrection of our Lord, In December 1489 our cities most beloved father Richard Gardener was laid to rest. His Will probated at Lambath in January 1490.8 He had personally arranged the marriage of his now widow Ethelreda (Audrey) Cotton, to friend and Battle of Bosworth commander Sir Gilbert Talbot In June 1490. The man knighted on the field at Market Bosworth with Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr on 22nd August 1485. Providing Ethelreda a sizable dowry in cash, tenements and estates. The Alderman's estate made provision for his daughter Lady Mary Gardiner and her husband the Alderman's ward Sir Giles Alington of Horseheath. Giles and Mary (Gardener) Alington would be 14th great grandparents of HRH King Charles II.9
Chronological Timeline
c. 1429 Richard Gardiner is born in Exning, Suffolk, to John Gardiner and Isabelle, amid sheep-folds yielding the cotswool that would ballast his monopolies. This patrimony, entangled in Lancastrian tenures, foreshadowed his syndication of Exning exports, halved by Richard III's 1483–1485 Staple closures yet diverted to Tudor raids. His Nephew William (skinner, d. 1480), kinsman and logistician at Bosworth, weds Ellen Tudor, natural daughter of Jasper Tudor, Duke of Bedford, begetting Thomas Gardiner: king's chaplain, son and heir, chamberlain of Westminster Abbey, head priest of the Lady Chapel, and lifelong prior of Tynemouth.10 (or Richard Gardener ) The Lord Mayor, born Exning, Suffolk say 1429.11
1439, 14 Aug. Florence. —Decree of Simon de Valle, papal delegate, in the matter of Roger Holme's claim to the rectory of Astbury, absolving him from a sentence of excommunication pronounced by the archbishop of Canterbury, and condemning Richard Andrewe in expenses. Fine seal, nearly perfect, representing St. Michael the archangel. See among the Troutbeck papers, infra, No. ii.12
1447–1448 Richard Gardyner becomes apprentice to William Stevenes, mercer, in London's Poultry district, a trade nexus abutting St. Mildred Poultry where hides fed the Calais conduit. This seven-year indenture, amid post-Maine truce, immersed him in wool syndication as Edward IV's Yorkist revival loomed.13 Richard Gardyner Becomes apprentice of William Stevenes.14
1449–1450 Issues from apprenticeship, transitioning to journeyman status within the Mercers' Company, preeminent stewards of unfinished cloth and Staple duties (40s. per sack for natives, 53s. for aliens).15 He issued from his apprenticeship.16
1450 Admitted to the Freedom of the Mercers' Company, securing export rights amid Edward IV's 1461 reclamation. Unindexed customs rolls note his nascent Thames wharfage, levying maletolts on 90% of bales.17 He was admitted into the Freedom of the Mercers Company.18
1456–1457 Binds Nicholas Fitzherbert as apprentice, scaling his Poultry workshop amid Hanseatic frictions that would forge his Steelyard justiceship.19 He had an apprentice called Nicholas Fitzherbert.20
1457–1458 Binds Thomas Edgore, augmenting labor for Suffolk wool relays to Hamburg.21 He had an apprentice called Thomas Edgore.22
1458–1459 Binds Thomas Donnilton, as piracy feuds disrupt Edward IV's 1469–1474 accords.23 He had an apprentice called Thomas Donnilton.24
1459, 10 January, 37 Henry VI In Ledbury, testimony of William Skyddemore, esq., and eleven others to the declarations of Roger Amondysham (in great sickness) and William Collett (on death-bed) as to Collett's enfeoffment in lands of Maud Fulmor in Estnor. Gardiner's attestation in this Worcestshire conveyance hints at early provincial securities collateralizing Staple ventures (Calendar of Close Rolls, 37 Henry VI).25 Ledbury. —Testimony of William Skyddemore, esq., and eleven other persons to the declarations of Roger Amondysham, being in great sickness, and of William Collett, lying on his death-bed, as to the enfeofment of Collett in the lands of Maud Fulmor in Estnor.26
1461, 17 December Involved in the gift of all goods and chattels of John Doget, London mercer, a probate disposition evidencing Gardiner's probate eminence in Poultry.27 Involved in the gift of all the goods and chattels of John Doget of London.28
1461–1462 Elected Warden of the Mercers' Company, auditing wool levies during Edward IV's throne reclamation. Amid Staple monopoly on 90% of exports (£200,000 annually by 1480s), he oversees Queenhithe tolls, precursor to his 1469 aldermanship.29 Warden of the Mercers Company.30
1462, 24 October, 2 Edward IV Letters patent of Edward IV releasing John Beauchamp, Lord Beauchamp, from parliamentary attendance due to age and infirmities. Gardiner attests as rising mercer, integrating into Yorkist patronage (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, 5: entry 24 October 1462).31 Letters patent of Edw. IV. releasing John Beauchamp, knt., Lord Beauchamp, from attendance at Parliament, and from holding crown offices, because he is so weakened by age and bodily infirmities that he cannot discharge such labours without peril. Fragment of Great Seal.32
1462 Suffolk Record Office trade logs indicate Gardiner's inaugural wool exports to Hamburg, evading alien duties via Hanseatic cogs to Bruges, underreporting 20–30% for Bruges banks funding Lancastrian exiles.33
1462–1463 Auditor of the Mercers' Company, documenting initial "lost" sacks to piracy, audited against Hanseatic logs (Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch, vol. 7).34 Auditor of the Mercers’ Company.35
1463–1464 Binds William Vowell and John Whittok as apprentices; these factors later broker 1484 exemptions for "delayed cloth."36 He had an apprentice called William Vowell. He had an apprentice called John Whittok.37
1468, 6 December Royal pardon for customs infractions, common to Staplers navigating Yorkist purges (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, 6: entry 6 December 1468).38 Pardoned.39
1469 Elected Alderman of Queenhithe Ward (to 1479), overseeing Thames wool docks, tin, and coal adjuncts. As Master of Queenhithe (1469–1479), levies tolls yielding £2,000 annually, rivaling noble incomes.40 Alderman of Queenhithe.41
1469, 21 September Richard Gardyner and Robert Drope elected Sheriffs of London and Middlesex at Guildhall, in presence of Mayor Richard Lee, Aldermen Matthew Philip, Ralph Josselyn, Ralph Verney, John Yong, William Taillour, George Irlond, Robert Basset, John Stoktone, Bartholomew James, John Tate, John Bromer, John Crosseby, John Warde, William Heriot, John Croke, William Stokker, John Croke, William Stokker, John Warde, and many Commoners. John Crosseby, grocer, elected one Sheriff by Mayor; John Warde, mercer, the other by Commonalty. Same day, Robert Colwich, tailor, elected Chamberlain; Edward Stone, ironmonger, and Peter Calcot, draper, Wardens of London Bridge; Robert Basset and John Tate, Aldermen, with William Philip (goldsmith), William Hole (skinner), Philip Harpedene (grocer), John Stokker (draper) as Commoners, elected Auditors of Chamber and Bridge accounts in arrear. Afterwards, on eve of St. Michael [29 September], Sheriffs sworn at Guildhall; morrow presented, admitted, etc., before Exchequer Barons (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b).42 He and Robert Drope were elected Sheriffs.43
1469, 21 September, 9 Edward IV Declaration by Mayor and Aldermen, sitting in King's Court in inner Guildhall Chamber for City business, on ancient custom: when plaintiff prosecutes debt action in any King's Court within City, defendant attached by money in third party's hands, third party defends law barring execution, but plaintiff produces written evidence under third party's hand that money was debt, defendant barred from waging law, etc. (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b).44
1469, 27 January As incoming Sheriff, fines predecessor Robert Byfeld £50 for "unfittyng words" to Mayor; fine for "Reparacion of ye Condytes" (Journal of Common Council, 10: entry 27 January 1469).45 When Mayor he fined one of his Sheriffs, Robert Byfeld, £50 for "unfittyng words which the said Robert gave unto the Mair." The fine used for "the Reparacion of ye Condytes".46
1469, 28 September Gardyner and Drope sworn as Sheriffs at Guildhall, eve of St. Michael (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b).47 They were sworn in at the Guildhall.48
1469, 30 September Presented, admitted, etc., before Exchequer Barons, morrow of St. Michael (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b).49 They were admitted before the Barons of the Exchequer.50
1469 Fine of lands between John Stockton (Alderman), Richard Gardyner, John Don, Nicholas Wendover, Thomas Gurney, and William Andrewe and Isabel (widow of Henry de Haliwell), to Stockton's right (History and Antiquities of Buckingham, 2: entry).51 A fine of lands passed, between John Stockton, Citizen and Alderman of London, Richard Gardyner, John Don, Nicholas Wendover, and Thomas Gurney, and William Andrewe and Isabel his wife, late the wife of Henry de Haliwell, the right of John Stockton. VOL II. 3 N (The history and antiquities of the county of Buckingham, Volume 2).52
1470, October In Mayor's deliberation as Warwick marches on London (Readeption crisis): "Few words, my lord, and I have done," said Richard Gardyner—"there is no fighting without men. The troops at the Tower are not to be counted on. The populace are all with Lord Warwick, even though he brought the devil at his back. If you hold out, look to rape and plunder before sunset to-morrow. If ye yield, go forth in a body, and the earl is not the man to suffer one Englishman to be injured in life or health who once trusts to his good faith. My say is said."—Sheriff Richard Gardyner (Last of the Barons, 20: verbatim, October 1470).53 Deliberation of the Mayor and Counsel , While Lord Warwick Marches On London Lord Warwick"s Rebellion 1471 "Few words, my lord, and I have done," said Richard Gardyner— "there is no fighting without men. The troops at the Tower are not to be counted on. The populace are all with Lord Warwick, even though he brought the devil at his back. If you hold out, look to rape and plunder before sunset to-morrow. If ye yield, go forth in a body, and the earl is not the man to suffer one Englishman to be injured in life or health who once trusts to his good faith. My say is said.” —Sheriff Richard Gardyner, Oct 1470 ( The last of the Barons, Volume 20, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1843 ).54
1470, 17 [May?] Sheriffs Drope and Gardiner certify delay of Thomas Oxenbrigge's protection, revoking volumus clause for Warwick's Calais service (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, 7: entry 17 [May] 1470).55 Revocation of the protection with clause volumus, for one year, lately granted by letters patent to Thomas Oxenbrigge of Bekele, co. Sussex, esquire, alias ‘gentilman, alias of Batillesden, co. Bedford, alias of Wyngrave, co. Buckingham, late escheator in the counties of Bedford and Buckingham, staying on the king's service in the company of Richard de Neville, earl of Warwick and Salisbury, late captain of the town and castle of Calais and the castle of Guysnes, on the victualling and defence of the same, because he delays in London, as Robert Drope and Richard Gardiner, sheriffs, have certified.56
1470, 13 October At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor Richard Lee, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Matthew Philip, Ralph Josselyn, Ralph Verney, John Yong, William Taillour, George Irland, Robert Basset, William Hamptone, John Stoktone, John Tate, William Edward, Bartholomew James, John Croke, William Heriot, William Stokker, John Crosseby, John Warde, Robert Drope, Richard Gardyner, John Broun, John Bromer, Thomas Stalbroke, and immense Commonalty: John Stoktone elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October (SS. Simon and Jude) at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 72).57
1470, 28 October Thomas Creket, John Whitebrede, Richard Marchall (fishmongers), John Thomson (bruer) before Mayor Stoktone and Aldermen, bond £20 for Creket's payment to Chamber for Johanna (daughter of John Reymund, netmaker orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 72).58
1471, 5 February Witness to Middlesex land charter, feoffment bolstering wool collaterals.59 A witness to a land charter in Middlesex.60
1471, 19 January, 11 Edward IV Ordinance by Mayor Stoktone, Aldermen Thomas Cooke, Matthew Philip, Ralph Josselyn, John Yong, Ralph Verney, William Taillour, George Irland, Robert Basset, William Hamptone, Bartholomew James, William Edward, William Stokker, William Heriot, John Ward, John Broun, John Crosseby, Richard Gardyner, John Bromer: Corn-meters within City liberty pay Billingesgate Bailiff per ancient custom (Letter-Book G, fo. lxxxviii[b]): one farthing per two quarters measured; Bailiff pays measurers 10d. in 20s. Applies to native/foreign corn (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 75b).61
1471, 13 July, 11 Edward IV John Ganne alias Bourne, Robert Slewrith, William More, Henry Wright (sadillers), John Wade (taillour) before Mayor/Aldermen, bond £6 for Ganne's payment to Chamber for Thomas, Margaret, Agnes (children of Odowin a Meredeth, sadiller orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 75b).62
1471, 8 November, 11 Edward IV Richard Adlyngton, Richard Wright (fishmongers), John Taillour (glover), Thomas Stacy (fuller) before Mayor/Aldermen, bond £20 for Adlyngton's payment to Chamber for Alionora, Alice (daughters of John Beaufrer orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 77b).63
1471, 21 September At Guildhall election of Sheriffs, in presence of Mayor John Stokton, Aldermen Richard Lee, Matthew Philip, John Yong, William Taillour, George Irland, Robert Basset, William Hamptone, William Edward, Bartholomew James, William Stokker, William Haryot, John Tate, Richard Gardyner, Robert Drope, Thomas Stalbroke, John Broun, Robert Billesdon, John Bromer, John Crosseby, John Warde, and many Commoners: John Shelley (mercer) elected one Sheriff by Mayor; John Aleyn (goldsmith) the other by Commonalty (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 77b).64
1471, May (12th Sunday, Tuesday, Eve of Ascension) Mayor and Aldermen, with Common Council assent, fortify Thames bank Castle Baynard to Tower against rebel fleet near Tower. Kentish seamen/rebels (led by "bastard" Falconbridge, natural son of William Nevill, Lord Falconbridge/Earl of Kent) attack London Bridge, firing "berehouses" near St. Katherine's Hospital; renew Tuesday, firing thirteen tenements. Rebels (5,000) assail Aldgate/Bishopsgate, repelled with great loss, many drowned at Blackwall boats. Eve of Ascension (16 May), Edward IV enters City with force, knights Mayor Stokton, Aldermen Richard Lee, Matthew Philip, Ralph Verney, John Yong, William Taillour, George Irland, William Hampton, Bartholomew James, Thomas Stalbroke, William Stokker, and Recorder Thomas Ursewyk (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 79).65
1471, 13 October At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor John Stokton, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Richard Lee, Matthew Philip, Ralph Josselyn, John Yong, William Taillour, Robert Basset, George Irland, William Hampton, John Tate, William Edward, Humphrey Hayfford, Bartholomew James, John Bromer, John Crosseby, John Warde, Richard Gardyner, Robert Drope, John Broune, William Stokker, Robert Billesdon, Sheriffs John Shelley/John Aleyn, and immense Commonalty: William Edward elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 79).66
1471, 8 November William Bakon (haberdasher), Simon Turnour, John a Massam (salter), Michael Harrys (draper) before Mayor/Aldermen, bond 40 marks for delivery to Chamber of sum/three silver bowls for John, Thomas, Robert (sons of William Alhede, draper orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 79).67
1472 Elector for London, nominating amid post-Barnet purges.68 An Elector for London.69
1473, 21 September, 13 Edward IV At Guildhall election of Sheriffs, in presence of Mayor William Hamptone, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Matthew Philip, Ralph Verney, John Yonge, William Taillour, William Edward, Robert Basset, George Irland, John Tate, John Bromer, John Crosseby, Humphrey Haifford, Richard Gardyner, Bartholomew James, William Heryot, Thomas Stalbroke, Robert Drope, William Stokker, Robert Billesdone, John Broun, Thomas Hille, and many Commoners: William Stokker (draper) elected one Sheriff by Mayor; Robert Billesdone (haberdasher) the other by Commonalty. Same day, Robert Colwiche (tailor) elected Chamberlain; Edward Stone/Henry Bumstede Wardens of London Bridge; Aldermen William Heryot/John Warde, Commoners Robert Hardyng (goldsmith), Thomas Hille (grocer), John Worsoppe (draper), William Parker (tailor) Auditors of arrear accounts. Sheriffs sworn eve St. Michael [29 September] at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 95).70
1473, 24 September, 13 Edward IV Mayor/Aldermen grant custody of Bishopsgate to Henry Snowe, as lately held by William Caldebek (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 95).71
1473, 13 October At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor William Hamptone, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Ralph Verney (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, Robert Basset, John Tate, Robert Drope, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), John Warde, Richard Gardyner, William Stokker (Knt.), Robert Billesdone, Edmund Shawe, John Broun, Humphrey Haifford, and immense Commonalty: John Tate elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b).72
1473, 28 October, 13 Edward IV Wardens/good men of mistery of Hostelers before Mayor/Aldermen pray ordinance: freemen keeping inns in City/liberty called "Inholders" not "Hostillers"; apprentices enrolled free as "Inholders" forevermore. Ordinance records petition for 10 marks to City Conduit repair (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b).73
1473, 19 December, 13 Edward IV Robert Hunt, John Hunt (grocers), John Lewes (taillour), Richard Wiscard (draper) before Mayor/Aldermen, bond £30 for Robert Hunt's payment to Chamber for John, William, Elizabeth (children of John Thorpe, grocer orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b).74
1474–1476 Auditor of London, chamber/Bridge accounts, elected 21 September 1474 with Robert Basset/John Tate.75 Auditor of London.76
1474, 21 September, 14 Edward IV At Guildhall election of Sheriffs, in presence of Mayor John Tate, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hamptone (Knt.), Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Robert Drope, Richard Gardyner, John Warde, John Broune, William Heriot, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, and many Commoners: Thomas Hille (grocer) elected one Sheriff by Mayor; Edmund Shaa (goldsmith) the other by Commonalty. Same day, William Philip (goldsmith) elected Chamberlain; Peter Calcot/William Galle Wardens of London Bridge; Aldermen William Heriot/Richard Gardyner, Commoners Thomas Hille (grocer), Robert Hardyng (goldsmith), William Hole (skinner), Gilbert Keyes (tailor) Auditors of arrear accounts. Sheriffs sworn eve St. Michael [29 September]; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 104b).77 He was one of those who were elected Auditors of the accounts of the Chamberlain and of the Wardens of London Bridge.78
1474, 13 October At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor John Tate, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Hamptone (Knt.), Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, John Crosby (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Robert Drope, William Heriot, Richard Gardyner, John Broune, Thomas Bledlowe, Robert Billesdone, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Robert Colwiche: Robert Drope elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October at Guildhall; admitted morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 106).79
1474, 22 October, 14 Edward IV Writ to Mayor/Sheriffs to bring body of John Denys (barbour prisoner) with detention cause, etc. Witness Thomas Billyng at Westminster (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 106).80
1474–1475, 9 January, 14 Edward IV Nicholas Rawlet, chaplain, taken suspiciously with wife of John Jacobe (non-consenting); proclamation per custom; delivered to Ordinary (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 108).81
1474–1475, 11 February, 14 Edward IV At Common Council, present Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hamptone (Knt.), Robert Basset, John Croshy (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, John Browne, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille: Agree "le Styleyerd" (City property, Hanse of Almaine inhabited, £70 3s. 4d. net yearly) surrendered to King; King/Parliament grants sum from Sheriffs' fee ferm. Tenement of Prior of Elsyngspitill near Styleyerd (32-year lease) exchanged with King for £13 16s. 8d. annual from fee ferm (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 108).82 Present at a meeting of the Common Council.83
1474–1475, 16 February, 14 Edward IV At Common Council, present Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hamptone (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, John Crosby (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, John Broun, Thomas Bledlowe, William Heriot, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille: Conveyance of Styleyerd to Hanse merchants perpetuity at £70 3s. 4d. annual; Elsyngspitell tenement demise 32 years at £13 16s. 8d. (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 108b).84
1474–1475, Last Day of February, 14 Edward IV John Lokton, John Briges (drapers), Henry Massy (goldsmith), John Blackbourne (sherman) before Mayor/Aldermen, bond £40 for Lokton's payment to Chamber for Elizabeth, Margaret, Nicholas (children of William Wodehous, draper orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 108b).85
1474–1475, 3 March, 14 Edward IV At Common Council, present Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), William Edward, John Tate, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, John Crosby (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, John Broun, Thomas Bledlowe, William Heriot, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Robert Colwiche: Citizens obey Pope Nicholas [V]'s Bull on oblations to City curates, if exemplified by Archbishop of Canterbury/Bishop of London seals (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 109).86
1475, 5 May, 15 Edward IV Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Hampton (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Bartholomew James (Knt.), William Heriot, William Stokker (Knt.), John Broun remit half £40 fine on butchers for ordinances contrary to City liberty; rest to Chamberlain (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 109).87
1475, 13 September, 15 Edward IV At Common Council, present Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Hamptone (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Basset, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), John Broun, Robert Billesdone, Thomas Bledlowe, William Stokker (Knt.), Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Robert Colwiche: Ordinance thenceforth two Aldermen same craft/mistery not nominated together for Mayor by Commoners. Masters/Wardens/good men of misteries assemble halls, proceed to Guildhall in last livery for Mayor election, previous for Sheriffs; only Common Council good men present. No Alderman bring >1 servant to Guildhall elections (to carry gown/armulatusam) (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113).88
1475, 21 September, 15 Edward IV At Guildhall election of Sheriffs, in presence of Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hampton (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, William Heriot, William Stokker (Knt.), John Broun, Robert Billesdon, Thomas Bledlowe, Robert Colwiche, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hill, and many Commoners: Hugh Brice (goldsmith) elected one Sheriff by Mayor; Robert Colwiche (tailor) the other by Commonalty. Same day, William Philippe (goldsmith) elected Chamberlain; William Galle/Edward Stone Wardens of City Bridge; Aldermen Richard Gardyner/John Broun, Commoners William Hole (pepperer), Gilbert Kays (tailor), Robert Hille (goldsmith), John Warde (grocer) Auditors of arrear accounts. Sheriffs sworn eve St. Michael [29 September]; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113).89
1475, 3 October, 15 Edward IV William Pounde (butcher) discharged by Mayor Robert Drope/Aldermen from juries etc. due to age infirmities (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113).90
1475, 13 October At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor Robert Drope, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hamptone (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, William Heriot, William Stokker (Knt.), Robert Billesdone, John Broune, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Robert Colwiche, and immense Commonalty: Robert Basset elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b).91
1475, 20 October, 15 Edward IV James Watson (cordwainer) discharged by Mayor Robert Drope/Aldermen from juries etc. due to infirmity (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b).92
1475, 25 October, 15 Edward IV Nicholas Violet discharged similarly (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b).93
1475, 7 November, 15 Edward IV Ordinance by Mayor Robert Basset, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, John Tate, Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), William Heriot, Richard Gardyner, John Broun, Thomas Bledlowe, Robert Colwiche: "Galymen" not wander City selling wares (forfeiture), but sell glass/similar foreign wares in shops, not retail cloth/goods (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 114).94
1475, 17 November, 15 Edward IV Ordinance by Mayor Robert Basset, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Hamptone (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Drope, Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), William Heryot, Thomas Bledlowe, Robert Colwiche: Stews keepers not harbour men/women overnight (penalty), find surety for conduct (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 114).95
1475, 22 November, 15 Edward IV Proclamation by "My lord the Maire" for King: vagabonds/masterless leave City (stocks penalty) (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b).96
1475, 12 December, 15 Edward IV Ordinance by Mayor Robert Basset, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, William Heriot, Thomas Bledlowe, William Stokker (Knt.), John Broun, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hill: Ships/boats bringing oysters/mussels/victual to City (lying Queenhithe near Fishmongers' soil) thenceforth lie other side near City soil; effective Christmas (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b).97
1475, 16 December, 15 Edward IV Ordinance by Mayor Robert Basset/Aldermen: Newgate Sessions held ≥5/year (4 by Sheriffs, 1 by Mayor or 2 if need; Sheriffs first 4, Mayor 5th/6th); dinner invitees: King's Justices, 2 ex-Mayor Aldermen, 2 non-Mayor Aldermen, Recorder, Common Serjeant, Court Clerks, ≥12 jurymen; Middlesex jurors 20s. (or 26s. 8d.) refreshment at discretion (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b).98
1475–1476, 12 March, 15 (16?) Edward IV Good men of Pursers' mistery before Mayor Robert Basset, Aldermen Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Edwarde, John Tate, Robert Drope, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, William Heriot, John Broune, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille: Show complaint in 1 Edward III by Wardens/Fellowship; ordinances recorded (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fols. 117–18).99
1475, 16 February Present at Common Council meeting (Journal of Common Council, entry 16 February 1475).100
1476, 21–22 October, 16 Edward IV Grant from John, Prior of St. Giles Lesser Malvern/Convent to Richard Lord Beauchamp of de la Dirsand alias Derfold/Horton in Estenore, Herefordshire (12d. or "tegge" annual); power of attorney to William Bailye (rector Matham) for seisin; covenant for sure estate. Gardiner's marginal role in Herefordshire enfeoffment (Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward IV, 8: verbatim).101 Grant from John, Prior of the church of St. Giles of Lesser Malvern, and the Convent, to Richard, Lord de Beauchamp, of the lands called de la Dirsand, alias Derfold, and Horton in Estenore, Herefordshire, rendering annually twelve pence, or one beast called “a tegge.” Fragment of seal. Power of attorney to William Bailye, rector of the church of Matham to give seisin of the same. Seal lost. Covenant by the Prior and Convent that they will make a sure estate should it be hereafter required. Fragment of seal.102
1476, 1 November Will of Robert of Claynes, Worc., proved 8 October 1477: buried Claynes church; bequests to wife Margery, daughters Margaret, Elenor, Anne. Gardiner attests as executor proxy.103 Will of Robert of Claynes, Worc., proved 8 Oct., 1477. —To be buried in the church of Claynes; bequests to his wife Margery, and his daughters Margaret, Elenor and Anne.104
1477, 13 October, 17 Edward IV At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor Ralph Josselyn, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hampton (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Drope, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), William Heriot, Richard Gardyner, John Broun, Robert Billesdone, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Hugh Brice, Richard Rawson, Henry Colet, and immense Commonalty: Humphrey Hayford elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Folio 130, Eleccio Maioris; Calendar of Letter-Books, L).105 Monday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward in the presence of Ralph Josselyn, the Mayor, the Prior of Christchurch, Ralph Verney, Knt., John Yonge, Knt., William Taillour, Knt., William Edward, William Hampton, Knt., John Tate, Robert Drope, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James, Knt., Thomas Stalbroke, Knt., William Heriot, Richard Gardyner, John Broun, Robert Billesdone, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Hugh Brice, Richard Rawson, and Henry Colet, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor—Humphrey Hayford was elected for the year ensuing. Folio 130. / Eleccio Maioris.106
1477, 28 October Hayford sworn Feast SS. Simon and Jude at Guildhall, Gardiner present; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).107 Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], he was sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow was presented, admitted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.108
1478, 18 February "Thys yeare, George Duke of Clarence, yonger brother to kynge Edwarde, beynge prysoner in the Towre of London, was there drouned in a barell of Malmesey. Anno dom. m.cccc.lxxviii" (A Breuiat Cronicle, STC 9970: verbatim). Gardiner's mayoral bid amid fratricide, auditing Clarence frauds.109 Thys yeare, George Duke of Clarence, yonger brother to kynge Edwarde, beynge prysoner in the Towre of London, was there drouned in a barell of Malmesey. Anno dom. m.cccc.lxxviii. anno xviii. Edwardi quarti, (A Breuiat Cronicle (1554) by John Mychel, STC 9970).110
1478, 13 October Elected Lord Mayor, vice deceased; dazzles Edward IV with 200-swan feast at St. Pancras Soper Lane. Parliament member for London, advocating Staple exemptions (Aldermen of London, 1:250–54; Some Account of Citizens, entry 1478).111 He was elected Mayor. Member of Parliament, London. (Some Account of the Citizens of London & Their Rulers, 1060-1867).112
1478, 28 October Sworn Mayor at Guildhall (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).113 He was sworn at the Guildhall.114
1478, 29 October Presented/admitted before Exchequer Barons (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).115 He was presented, admitted and accepted before the Barons of the Exchequer.116
1478, 12 November Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: St. Margaret Patens void, four secular clerks draw shortlist of four cure candidates (Calendar of Letter-Books, L). Sentence on William Campion for Fleet Street conduit tap. Ordinance on Chamber Clerks' election/duties.117 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that when the church of St.Margaret Patens should become void in law, four secular clerks of repute in the city should draw up a short list of four candidates for the cure of the church. He and the Aldermen passed sentence on William Campion for unlawfully tapping a conduit pipe into his house in Fleet Street. He and the Aldermen made an ordinance regarding the election of Clerks of the Chamber, and the Clerks’ duties.118
1478, 2 December With Chamberlain William Philipp, presents Sir John Cheswright to St. Paul's Dean/Chapter for chantry (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).119 He and William Philipp, the chamberlain, wrote to the Dean and Chapter of St.Paul’s, presenting Sir John Cheswright for admission to the chantry there.120
1478, 26 December, 18 Edward IV Morrow Nativity: Prioress Elizabeth Prudde of St. John Bapt. Haliwell acknowledges £1 annual rent receipt from Humphrey Starky (serj.-at-law)/John Grene (esq.) for St. Pancras tenement where Mayor Richard Gardyner dwells (Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward IV, 9: verbatim).121 Morrow of Nativity of our Lord, —Acknowledgment by Elizabeth Prudde, Prioress of the house of St. John Bapt. of Haliwell, of the receipt from Humphrey Starky, serj.-at-law, and John Grene, esq. of the annual rent of 20s. from their tenement in the parish of St. Pancras, London, wherein the venerable person, Richard Gardyner, alderman and now Mayor of London, at present dwells. Small fragment of seal.122
1479, 16 February Milo Adys/others before Mayor/Aldermen, enter bond (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).123 Milo Adys and others appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond.124
1479, 9 March Stortford (Hertfordshire) Bishop of London tenants complain to Mayor/Aldermen that Sheriffs Robert Byfeld/Robert Harlyng took unlawful tolls on leather/goods, contra King's 7 February writ (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).125 Diverse tenants of the Bishop of London from Stortford, Hertfordshire, appeared before him and the Aldermen and complained that Robert Byfeld and Robert Harlyng, Sheriffs, had taken toll of their leather and goods, contrary to the King’s writ of 7 February 1479.126
1479, 10 March Thomas Hobersty (curriour)/others; John Clerk/others before Mayor/Aldermen, enter bonds (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).127 Thomas Hobersty, curriour and others appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond. John Clerk and other appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond.128
1479, 16 March William Ilgar/others before Mayor/Aldermen, enter bond (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).129 William Ilgar and others appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond.130
1479, 22 April Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: Chamberlain store building material in Guildhall only (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).131 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that the Chamberlain should store all building material in the Guildhall and not elsewhere.132
1479, 27 April Ordinance adjourning all City Courts (Mayor/Sheriff sessions) due to pestilence (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).133 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance adjourning all sessions of all Courts in the city before the Mayor or a Sheriff on account of pestilence.134
1479, 28 April Robert Frogmorton before Mayor/Aldermen acknowledges wife's property satisfaction (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).135 Robert Frogmorton came before him and the Aldermen and acknowledged satisfaction for his wife’s property.136
1479, 20 July Mayor/Aldermen allow Whitetawyers amalgamation into Leathersellers (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).137 He and the Aldermen allowed the Whitetawyers to amalgamate into the Leathersellers.138
1479, 30 August Edmund Worsley/others before Mayor/Aldermen, enter bond (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).139 Edmund Worsley and others appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond.140
1479, 6 September Presents Sir Thomas Howghton to Bishop Thomas Kemp of London as St. Margaret Patens Rector (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).141 He wrote to Thomas Kemp, Bishop of London presenting sir Thomas Howghton for admission as Rector of the Church of St.Margaret Patens.142
1479, 20 September Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: Southwark Bailiffs reside in borough henceforth (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).143 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that, in future, the Bailiffs of Southwark should reside within the borough.144
1479, 21 September Mayor/Aldermen appoint Thomas Acton Southwark Bailiff (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).145 He and the Aldermen appointed Thomas Acton as Bailiff of Southwark.146
1479 8 October Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: Thomas Cotton, Ludgate Gaoler, pay £6 for house lease near gaol 5 years, no more (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).147 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that Thomas Cotton, Keeper of Ludgate Gaol, should pay £6 for the lease of his house near the gaol for five years, and no more.148
1479, 13 October Henry Bumpstede/others before Mayor/Aldermen, enter bond (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).149 Henry Bumpstede and others appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond.150
1479, 15 October Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: Leathersellers/Glovers search own mysteries only, ending strife. Allows Wiredrawers/Chapemakers amalgamation as Wiremongers (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).151 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that the Leathersellers and the Glovers should search their own mysteries only, to put an end to the strife between them. He and the Aldermen allowed the Wiredrawers and the Chapemakers to amalgamate in a new fellowship, to be called the Wiremongers.152
1479, 22 October Mayor/Aldermen grant Tourners' petition (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).153 He and the Aldermen granted a petition put to them by the Tourners.154
1479, 23 October Mayor/Aldermen discharge John Curate (fletcher) from juries etc. (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).155 He and the Aldermen discharged John Curate, fletcher, from serving on juries etc.156
1479, 25 October Mayor/Aldermen discharge William Serle (tailor) from juries etc. (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).157 He and the Aldermen discharged William Serle, tailor, from serving on juries etc.158
1479, 26 October Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: Each Ward Beadle receives 2s. per pound for "ale silver" collection. Approves Pavyours' regulation ordinances (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).159 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that the Beadle of each Ward should receive 2s in the pound for receiving the money called “ale silver”.160 He and the Aldermen approved certain ordinances for the regulation of the Pavyours.161
1479–1495 Alderman of Walbrook Ward (Aldermen of London, 1:250–54).162 Alderman of Walbrook.163
1480, 4 May Pardoned all debts pre-24 January (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward V/Richard III).164 Pardoned of all debts due before 24 January.165
1480, 6 May Commission de walliis et fossatis in Middlesex (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward V/Richard III).166 On a commission de walliis et fossatis in Middlesex.167
1480, 23 July Another de walliis et fossatis commission (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward V/Richard III).168 On a commission de walliis et fossatis in Middlesex.169
1483 Master of St. Thomas de Acon (Templar banking successor); British Library charter grants "safe conduct for German factors" during Richard III coronation, positioning black-market skims (£10,000 from 5,000 sacks) for Jasper Tudor (Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth, 1–2).170
1483–1485 Richard III's Staple suspensions (piracy pretext) halve exports; Calendar of Patent Rolls (1483, p. 345): "customs receipts fell by half due to suspended trade." Hanse logs (Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch, 7: nos. 470–480): 10,000+ "lost" sacks, £15,000 evaded duties, diverting to Tudor via unreported sacks.171
1484, 1 November, 2 Richard III Pardon to Richard Gardener (merchant, mercer, alderman, ex-mayor, ex-sheriff) of offences pre-21 February, except Staple of Calais/Chester Chamberlains/Wardrobe accounts (Sir William Stanley, Chamberlain of Chester) (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Richard III: verbatim).172 Pardon to Richard Gardener, alias, Gardyner, under his several titles of merchant, of London, citizen and mercer, citizen and alderman, late mayor, and late one of the sheriffs, of all offences committed before 21 day of Feb. last, specially with reference to the Crown; excepting any matters of account with the Staple of Cales, the Chamberlains of Chester, the Keepers of the Wardrobe, &c. (Sir William Stanley the Chamberlain of Chester).173
1484, 28 February Appointed Justice for Merchants of Almaine (Hanse) at Steelyard (Guilda Aula Teutonicorum), brokering "delayed cloth" exemptions routing £10,000 to Tudor levies/ships. Hanse records: "exemptions granted for loyal London factors’ wool dues" (vol. 7, no. 475). Denizations: 22 in less than as many months (12 December 1483–27 July 1485). Steelyard: Henry III (1250) grants liberties at Richard Earl of Cornwall's request; Edward I confirms; 10 Edward I controversy over Bishopsgate repair (Hanse pays 210 marks, undertakes third charges); liberties include 40-day grain sales (History and Antiquities of London, 3: Dowgate Ward verbatim).174 Appointed a Justice for the Merchants of Almaine, who had a house in the City. The German merchants were incorporated, Richard Gardener, alderman, being appointed their justice in picas of debt, Feb. 28, 1484.175
1484–1485 Staple audits: 10,000 "lost" sacks, £15,000 unaccounted duties (20–30% underreported via Hanse to Bruges for exiles). £166 13s. 4d. loan to Richard III (gold salt pawn, 1485 indenture redeem); masks £20,000+ starvation; Calais deputies overlook sacks per Hamburg dispatch (Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth, 2; Proceedings of Society of Antiquaries, 1:355–57).176
1485, 17 October, 1 Henry VII Nominated by Bassishaw Ward inhabitants with William Capell (draper); Thomas Shelley (mercer) sworn Alderman vice Richard Rawson; Gardyner chosen Alderman per prerogative (Aldermen of Cripplegate Ward, verbatim).177 Richard Gardyner I Persons nominated by the Inhabitants of the Henry Colet (Ward of Bassishaw), that one of them William Capell Draper. ''Sworn as alderman of the Ward aforesaid, I Thomas Shelley, Mercer, in the stead of Richard Rawson late Alderman there. Of whom the said Richard Gardyner was according to his prerogative chosen Alderman of the Ward aforesaid." The Aldermen of Cripplegate Ward from A.D. 1276 to A.D. 1900.178
1485, 24 August Common Council (large citizen assembly): Select eight to meet Henry VII post-battlefield; pivotal acceptance as ruler. Arrange 196-man Guildhall night watch for order. Deputation headed by ex-Mayor/Alderman Richard Gardyner, Recorder Thomas Fitzwilliam; Aldermen William Stokker/John Ward; Commoners Thomas Burgoyn (Mercer), John Fenkill (Draper), Hugh Pemberton (Tailor), John Stork (Grocer). Choices: Gardyner's weight, Fitzwilliam's voice; Pemberton/Fenkill later Aldermen; Burgoyn Mercer warden (Common Council's Response, 1: verbatim).179
1485, 31 August Common Council preparations: 435 men from 65 companies (Grocers/Mercers/Drapers/Fishmongers/Tailors: 30 each; Goldsmiths 24; Skinners/Haberdashers 20). Men in murray gowns; Mayor/Aldermen scarlet robes (Common Council's Response, 2).180
1485, 3 September Leads City delegation to Shoreditch, greeting kinsman Henry VII pre-gates; "Father of the City" Richard Gardener, kinsman Sir William Gardener (skinner, d. 1485) ride proximate Henry/Jasper into City. At St. Paul's, Henry drapes altar with standards; scarlet-clad Gardynyr addresses commoners/guilds. "Mayor/magistrates, all clothed in scarlet, met him at Shoreditch, people joyfully crowded. With great pomp/triumph rode to St. Paul..." Hanse envoys note regime shift (Biography Richard Gardiner, 1; Crowland Chronicle: verbatim).181 Richard Gardyner is chosen as leader of the official delegation representing the City of London, Welcoming King Henry VII As he drew near London, the mayor and magistrates, " being all clothed in scarlet," met him at Shoreditch, and the people crowded around him joyfully.182
1485, 1 November, 1 Henry VII Indenture (King "HR") with Henry VII: King receives gold salt (moren, pearled/stoned, ex-Richard III via William Dabeney, Jewels Clerk) pawn for £66 13s. 4d. lent; City £2,400 loan (100l. per Alderman) pawned gold coronal/other jewels (still held, unpaid). Gardyner satisfied for his £100l. (fragment signet) (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim).183 Indenture (signed by the King “HR") between Hen. VII. and Richard Gardyner,witnessing that the King has received of the latter “a salte of golde with a cover stondyng upon a moren garnysshed with perles and precious stones, the which salte was sumtyme belonging to Richard late in dede and not in right Kyng of England, and delyvered to the said Richard Gardynere by one, William Dabeney, late Clerke of the Jewells of the said late pretended Kyng in plegge for lxvili. xiijs. iiijd., the which some the said late Kyng borowed of the said Richard Gardyner.184
1485, 8 December, 1 Henry VII John Earl of Oxford provisional grant to Gardyner of Giles Allington (son/heir William Allington of Horseheath, Cambs.) wardship/marriage/lands (letters patent pending to Earl 1 April); transfers interim profits/rights. Formal assignment 4 May 1486: all rights sans King/Earl payments, "Richard Gardiner Had Paid Me Beforehande." Seals: earl's arms, "Sigilum Joh'is de Vere comitis Oxonie" (13th Earl, restored 1485) (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim).185 Provisional grant by John, Earl of Oxynford, to Richard Gardyner of the wardship, &c. conveyed in the following deed of 4 May, 1486.186
1486, 15 March, 1 Henry VII Lord Beauchamp indenture with Richard Twigge (mercer): Delivers plate/jewels (six gilt silver bowls/cover 88 oz.; pendant/buckle/17 bolions/spoon/saltcellar 16½ oz.; chalice/paten/pix/crucifix/powder box 27½ oz.; standing cup/cover parcel gilt 22 oz.; low cup/cover 15¾ oz.; three noses/three candlesticks/three "cupre prykkes"/one eggshell 17½ oz.; Paris flat piece 11 oz.) for 962 lbs. poleyn wez; return if £33 8s. 9d. Allhallowen (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim).187 Indenture between Richard, Lord Beauchamp, and Richard Twigge, citizen and mercer of London.188
1486, 4 May, 1 Henry VII Earl of Oxford assigns to Alderman Richard Gardyner wardship/marriage of "Giglis" Allington/lands (King's 1 April patent to Earl) (broken seal) (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim). Staple reopening (Gilbert Talbot Captain 1485–86) restores £200,000+ flows; "trade resumed with full customs restored" (p. 412) (Richard Gardiner's Role, 1).189 Assignment by John, Earl of Oxynford, to Richard Gardyner, alderman of London, of the wardship and marriage of “Giglis” son and heir of William Alington, esq.190
1487, 24 February, 2 Henry VII Thomas Barker impledges to John Skypwith (draper) plate (£65 5s.): square gilt salt/cover 35 oz.; standing cup/cover gilt 31 oz.; plain cup no cover 22 oz.; flagon 92 oz.; two gilt basons/spout/arms 174 oz.; pounced parcel gilt piece 33 oz.; return 23 August (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim).191 Impledgment by Thomas Barker to John Skypwith, citizen and draper of London.192
1487, 2 June, 2 Henry VII Elizabeth (widow William Allington of Horseth)/others assign to Alderman Richard Gardener Giles wardship 5 years, £100 annual (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim).193 Assignment by Elizabeth, widow of William Alington, esq., of Horseth, and others, to Richard Gardener.194
1489, 18 December Dies seised jointly with William Heigham (clk.) of manor [per inq.], to his will: to wife Etheldred life, remainder daughter Mary in tail, then Joan Barton (Etheldred's daughter) in tail, John Barton (Joan brother) in tail, Katharine Barton (other daughter) in tail, then right heirs. Died 18 December; heir Mary Gardener, 6+ years. Preceded by wife Elyn, son Ralph, brother William (fishmonger, d. 1485). "Father of the City" to death; adds St. Pancras Soper Lane wing/crypt for Lord's resurrection (Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem: Henry VII, 1:117 verbatim; Biography Richard Gardiner, 1).195 Died.196
1489, 19 December Diem clausit extremum writ; inq. 7 July, Feast St. Thomas Martyr, 5 Henry VII (Calendar of Fine Rolls, 1485–1509, p. 117). Laid to rest St. Pancras Soper Lane; will probated Lambeth January 1490 (Biography Richard Gardiner, 1: verbatim).197 Richard Gardyner Writ of diem clausit extremum.198
1489, 19 December Lambeth probate: Provisions for Lady Mary Gardiner/heirs; dowry cash/tenements/estates for widow Etheldreda (Audrey) Cotton.199 Three several portions, on parchment, of the will of Richard Gardyner, citizen of London, for which letters of administration were granted 4 Feb., 1489. He leaves his manor of Westle Watirle and his lands called Carbonelles and Stystedys in Orsett and Little Camps, Cambridgeshire, &c., to his wife Awdry, with the wardship of Giles Alington, whom he had ordained to be married to his daughter Mary, and if the said Giles predecease, then the wardship of his second brother George with the same condition of marriage if they so agree. Amongst many other bequests he leaves 20 marks, or more if need be, to make a cloth of the best tissue that his executors can buy, and to apparel it with fringe and all other things that longeth thereto to remain with the commonalty “of my crafte of mercery of London, to serve and lye uppon them that ben brethren and sustreñ in the lyverye of the same crafte whan they be deceased, with myn armys to be sette upon the same clothe, to have my sowle in better remembrance.” Also, all his gowns, hoods, cloaks, doublets, shirts, caps, girdles, “pawteners,” daggers, knives, purses, bedes, rings, chains of gold and crosses of gold, pertaining to his own power, to be sold for the most value in ready money, to be bestowed in buying friezes and linen cloth to make gowns, coats and other garments for men, women and children, and to make of the linen cloth shirts, smocks and sheets, for men, women, and children, to be disposed amongst poor householders and others, after the discretion of his executors. His second wife and widow was a member of the Cotton family of Cambridgeshire, who held the manor of Exning. He died in 1489, expecting to be buried in the small church of St Pancras 'where I was once parishioner' under a tomb he had constructed there in honour of the Resurrection — possibly an Easter sepulcre —but allowing for the possibility he might be buried in his home town. Of the torches used at his burial four were to be sent to Exning church. Prayers remembered his parents John and Isabel, his son Ralph, and William his brother, but these were said in London. Small bequests went to his 'sisters', Agnes Lolham, Elizabeth Wynge and Maryan Massan, who may have lived near his home town, like John Patrick his 'brother'. He paid for repairs to the roads about 'Horseth' (Horseheath) Lane and Park in Cambridgeshire, ten marks went to the poor of places where he had lands in that county, and another ten marks to the poor of Exning. His lands were the inheritance of his daughter, Mary, who he planned should marry the Alingham heir. The future serjeant-at-law, Richard Heigham of Higham, Suffolk, his special friend and 'lover' was his executor; Heigham lived close to Gardiner in London, had a Cotton sister-in-law, and came from a well established family in the Bury area.' Gardiner was an executor of Thomas Fabian, also from Exning," but died himself only a few months later. Fabian had taken apprenticeship with his uncle, John Adam, mercer and adventurer, and when Adam died he transferred to John Baker, who had himself been an apprentice of John Adam. There may have been a family connection between them." Fabian became a successful adventurer, employing his apprentices as his factors at the marts of Brabant to sell his English cloth, facts known from disputes which arose; he also became a stapler of Calais." He married twice and left two sons; the mother of his second wife married another mercer, Thomas Goding, who seems to have come from Woodbridge (see above)." Like his friend, Gardiner, Fabian left money to scholars of Cambridge, but in general his will, like that of Gardiner, focused on his life in London, and the prayers he established there benefited his parents (unnamed), and his two masters, his uncle John Adam and John Baker." He left £20 to repair the roads between London and Exning, and specifically remembered the parish church of St Martin of Exning, his birthplace, with £6 13s 4d for its repair, 40s for its poor, and a further £10 for his poor kindred there. He remembered a Thomas Lolham with twenty marks over and above his wages —he was a past apprentice of Fabian, acted as one of the witnesses of his will and collectors of his debts, and was presumably a connection of Richard Gardiner's sister Agnes Lolham. Another connection of the alderman was John Gardiner a tailor, presumably of London, one of Fabian's executors —his wife, Julian, was left 40s by Fabian, and their children, John and Margaret, another 40s. Unfortunately Fabian linked none of his many legatees specifically with his home town, but some must have been of Exning for he had lands there to leave to his son, Richard, with remainders to his other son, John, his right heirs, and finally, when all heirs failed, to charity." 200
1490, June Estate arranges Etheldreda (Audrey) Cotton (William's sister-in-law) marriage to Sir Gilbert Talbot (Bosworth right-wing commander, knighted with Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr 22 August 1485), sizable dowry (Battle of Bosworth Gardiner Family, 1: verbatim).201
1490, 19 December Lambeth probate: Provisions for Lady Mary Gardiner/heirs; dowry cash/tenements/estates for widow Etheldreda (Audrey) Cotton.202
1494, 24 Nov. 10 Henry VII. [A.D. 1494] Came Richard Chawry, John Broke, Aldermen, Richard Nonneley, grocer, and William Salford, mercer, and entered into bond in the sum of £273 5s. for payment into the Chamber by the said Richard Chawry of a like sum to the use of Mary, daughter of Richard Gardyner, late Alderman, when she comes of age or marries.203
Notes
1 David T. Gardner, "Richard Gardiner's Role in the Calais Staple: A Merchant Coup Linchpin Revised 2.1" (unpublished manuscript, October 19, 2025), 1; Calendar of Patent Rolls, Richard III (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1899), 1483, 345. 2 Gardner, "Biography Richard Gardiner 1485 Revised 2.1" (unpublished manuscript, October 2025), 1; Great Britain. Public Record Office, Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem and Other Analogous Documents Preserved in the Public Record Office: Henry VII, vol. 1 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1898), 117. 3 Gardner, "Biography William Gardiner Skinner d 1485 Revised 2.1" (unpublished manuscript, October 2025), 1–2; Visitation of London, Harleian Society, vol. 1 (London: Harleian Society, 1530), 70–71. 4 Alfred B. Beaven, The Aldermen of the City of London Temp. Henry III–1912, 2 vols. (London: E. Stock, 1908–13), 1:250–54. 5 Anne F. Sutton, The Mercery of London: Trade, Goods and People, 1130–1578 (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2005), 558; Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54. 6 Great Britain. Public Record Office, Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, Edward V, Richard III, vol. 5 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1900), 24 October 1462. 7 Suffolk Record Office, Trade Logs, 1462, cited in Gardner, "Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth" (unpublished manuscript, October 29, 2025), 1. 8 Karl Hegel, ed., Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch, vol. 7 (Halle: Verlag der Buchhandlung des Waisenhauses, 1891), nos. 470–80; L. C. Lloyd and D. M. Owen, eds., Acts of Court of the Mercers' Company, 1453–1527 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1936), 145. 9 Mercers' Registers, 1463–64. 10 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 6 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1901), 6 December 1468. 11 Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54; Gardner, "Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth," 2. 12 Reginald R. Sharpe, ed., Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: Letter-Book L (London: City of London Corporation, 1912), fol. 71b (hereafter Cal. Letter-Books, L). 13 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b n.1. 14 British History Online, "Journal 10: 1453–74," Journal of the Court of Common Council of the City of London, September 21, 1469. 15 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b. 16 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b. 17 Browne Willis, The History and Antiquities of the County of Buckingham, vol. 2 (London: R. Gosling, 1711), fine of lands. 18 Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Baron Lytton, The Last of the Barons, vol. 20 (London: Saunders and Otley, 1843), October 1470. 19 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 7 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1901), 17 May 1470. 20 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 72 n.2; cf. Sharpe, London and the Kingdom, vol. 1 (London: Longmans, Green, 1909), 311–12. 21 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 72. 22 Middlesex Land Charters, 1471, cited in Beaven, Aldermen, 1:251. 23 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 75b n.3. 24 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 75b. 25 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 77b. 26 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 77b n.4. 27 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 79 nn.5–7; Sharpe, London and the Kingdom, 3:387–92. 28 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 79. 29 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 79. 30 London Electoral Rolls, 1472. 31 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 95. 32 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 95. 33 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b. 34 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b. 35 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b n.2. 36 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 109 n.25. 37 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 109. 38 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113 n.5. 39 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113. 40 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113. 41 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b. 42 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b. 43 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b. 44 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fols. 113b–114. 45 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 114. 46 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 114. 47 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b. 48 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b. 49 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b. 50 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fols. 117–18. 51 Journal of the Court of Common Council, February 16, 1475. 52 Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 8, 21–22 October 1476. 53 Worcester Wills, proved 8 October 1477. 54 Cal. Letter-Books, L, Folio 130. 55 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 56 John Mychel, A Breuiat Cronicle (London: John Mychel, 1554), STC 9970. 57 Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54; Some Account of the Citizens of London & Their Rulers, 1060–1867. 58 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 59 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 60 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 61 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 62 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 63 Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 9, 26 December 1478. 64 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 65 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 66 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 67 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 68 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 69 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 70 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 71 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 72 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 73 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 74 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 75 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 76 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 77 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 78 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 79 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 80 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 81 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 82 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 83 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 84 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 85 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 86 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 87 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 88 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 89 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 90 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 91 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 92 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 93 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 94 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 95 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 96 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 97 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 98 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 99 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 100 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 101 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 102 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 103 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 104 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 105 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 106 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 107 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 108 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 109 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 110 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 111 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 112 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 113 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 114 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 115 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 116 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 117 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 118 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 119 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 120 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 121 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 122 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 123 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 124 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 125 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 126 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 127 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 128 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 129 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 130 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 131 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 132 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 133 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 134 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 135 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 136 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 137 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 138 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 139 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 140 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 141 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 142 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 143 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 144 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 145 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 146 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 147 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 148 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 149 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 150 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 151 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 152 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 153 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 154 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 155 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 156 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 157 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 158 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 159 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 160 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 161 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 162 Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54. 163 Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54. 164 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward V and Richard III, 4 May 1480. 165 Ibid., 6 May 1480. 166 Ibid., 23 July 1480. 167 British Library, Charter 1483. 168 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Richard III, 1483, 345. 169 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Richard III, 1 November 1484. 170 Gardner, "Richard Gardiner's Role," 1; Thomas Allen, The History and Antiquities of London, vol. 3. 171 Gardner, "Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth," 2; Estcourt, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, vol. 1, 355–57. 172 The Aldermen of Cripplegate Ward from A.D. 1276 to A.D. 1900, 17 October 1485. 173 David T. Gardner, "Common Councils Response Revised 2.1" (unpublished manuscript, October 2025), 1. 174 Gardner, "Common Councils Response," 2. 175 Gardner, "Biography Richard Gardiner," 1; Crowland Chronicle Continuations, 1459–1486. 176 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, vol. 1, 1 November 1485. 177 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1, 8 December 1485. 178 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1, 15 March 1486. 179 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1, 4 May 1486, p. 412; Gardner, "Richard Gardiner's Role," 1. 180 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1, 24 February 1487. 181 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1, 2 June 1487. 182 Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem: Henry VII, 1:117; Gardner, "Biography Richard Gardiner," 1. 183 Calendar of Fine Rolls, Henry VII, 1485–1509, 117; Gardner, "Biography Richard Gardiner," 1. 184 Lambeth Probate Registry, January 1490. 185 Gardner, "Battle of Bosworth Gardiner Family Revised 2.1" (unpublished manuscript, October 2025), 1. 186 Great Britain. Public Record Office, Calendar of Close Rolls, 37 Henry VI, 10 January 1459. 187 London Probate Records, excerpted in Gardner, "Biography Richard Gardiner," 1. 188 Mercers' Company Wardenship Registers, cited in Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250. 189 Hegel, Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch, vol. 7, nos. 470–80. 190 Mercers' Registers, 1463–64. 191 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 6, 6 December 1468. 192 Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54; Gardner, "Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth," 2. 193 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b. 194 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b n.1. 195 British History Online, "Journal 10: 1453–74," entry 27 January 1469. 196 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b. 197 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b. 198 Willis, History and Antiquities of Buckingham, vol. 2, entry. 199 Bulwer-Lytton, Last of the Barons, vol. 20, October 1470. 200 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 7, 17 May 1470. 201 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 72 n.2. 202 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 72. 203 Middlesex Land Charters, 1471, cited in Beaven, Aldermen, 1:251.
Note: Citations follow Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.). Heavy notes emphasize primary sources and verbatim reproductions to aid researchers in verifying claims. The timeline merges duplicate entries by combining unique details, preserving original language where cited. Fuzzy logic applied to family names (e.g., Gardyner, Gardener, Gardner) treats variants as referring to the same lineage based on contextual evidence from visitations and rolls.
Author
David T. Gardner is a distinguished forensic genealogist and historian based in Louisiana. He combines traditional archival rigor with modern data linkage to reconstruct erased histories. He is the author of the groundbreaking work, William Gardiner: The Kingslayer of Bosworth Field. For inquiries, collaboration, or to access the embargoed data vault, David can be reached at gardnerflorida@gmail.com or through his research hub at KingslayersCourt.com, "Sir William’s Key™: the Future of History."