Name

The Stanley Dynasty

Description

Lords of Mann from 1405 to 1736 — over three centuries of custodianship. Sir John Stanley received the grant from Henry IV in 1405; it was made inheritable the following year. Thomas Stanley crowned Henry VII at Bosworth in 1485 and was created Earl of Derby. The 2nd Earl changed the title from King of Mann to Lord of Mann — a gesture of submission to the Tudor dynasty, made in England for English reasons without consulting the Island. The 7th Earl, James — Yn Stanlagh Mooar, the Great Stanley — held the Island for the King during the Civil War, imprisoned Edward Christian for eighteen years, converted the ancient straw tenure to leaseholds, and was executed at Bolton in 1651. His widow Charlotte de la Trémouille held the castles; his son the 8th Earl ordered the execution of Illiam Dhone. The Stanley line ended with the 10th Earl in 1736, when the lordship passed through the female line to the Murray family. Robertson's verdict: 'Being Subjects of England, they generally resided in that country; and so long as their Lieutenants remitted the revenues of the kingdom, they supinely acquiesced in their administration.' Not tyrants. But neither were they the stewards that a small nation had a right to expect.

Active Period

1405–1736

Place

Lathom, Lancashire

Knowsley, Lancashire

Castle Rushen, Castletown

Isle of Man

Period

Stanley Lordship

Role / Significance

Lords of Mann

Nobility

Custodianship

Book Chapter

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 8

Alternative Title

Earls of Derby

House of Stanley