The Stanleys

>>>1) What possible reason did William Stanley have to engage in
treasonous correspondence with Burgundian-financed rebels? <<<
>>> Why risk all he had gained for the fleeting chance that Prince Richard
might actually be alive? I know he was an opportunist, but the Stanleys
stayed quiet while Edward IV was alive, so his behavior is really bizarre to
me.<<<

Perhaps, if he knew it were the intentions of both Richard III (so stated
in his alleged last speech to his army) and Henry Tudor (carried out in
practice) to centralize power under their kingship and do away with the remnants of
feudalism, that is the power and independence of the great lords. Henry was
beginning the process, as perhaps was Richard. Louis IV accomplished this with
ruthless efficiency in France in his time.
W. Stanley may have found a candidate for the throne he felt he could
influence.

Regards,
Virginia