John II Stanley of the Isle of Man

Sir John Stanley (c. 1386 – 1437), was Knight Sheriff of Anglesey, Constable of Carnarvon, Justice of Chester, Steward of Macclesfield and titular King of Mann, the second of that name.

Biography

His father Sir John Stanley, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, had been granted the tenure of the Isle of Man, to him and his heirs, by Henry IV, and the younger Sir John succeeded to the Kingdom in 1414.He also held the office of Steward of Macclesfield, Cheshire.

He twice visited the Island to put down rebellions (1417 and 1422) and was also responsible for putting the laws of the Island into writing. A brief description is given in [http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/manxnb/index.htm Manx Notebook] (vol iii p1-4).

A.W.Moore, a Manx antiquary and Speaker of the House of Keys [ [http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/people/antiqarn/awmoore.htm A.W. Moore ] ] appraised him as follows:

"He may justly be considered an enlightened and upright ruler, much in advance of his time. He caused the ancient laws and constitutions of his little kingdom to be reduced to writing, he humbled the overbearing ecclesiastical authorities, and, after he had practically concentrated all power into his own hands, he wisely conceded a representative form of government."

He purchased the Advowson of Rectory of Winwick, Cheshire from the Nostell Priory, Wakefield in 1433 - from this time onwards, this church, adjacent to his property, was to have close links with the Stanley family.

Family

He married Isabell Harington, daughter of Robert de Harington.One of his sons was Sir Thomas Stanley, 1st Baron Stanley c1405-1459, who married Joan GoushillHis grandson was Thomas Stanley, 1st Earl of Derby c1435-1504, who married Eleanor Neville and Margaret BeaufortHis great grandson was George Stanley c1460, 8th Lord Strange, who married Baroness Joan le Strange. His great, great grandson was Thomas Stanley, 2nd Earl of Derby c1477-1521 who married Anne Hastings and their son Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby inherited the titles and estates in 1522 aged just 13.

Edward's upbringing became the responsibility of King Henry VIII until be became of age.

References