By David T Gardner,
Abstract: The day before Bosworth, a second Thomas Gardynyr (brother to Sir William the kingslayer—incited the commons of Market Bosworth to rise and block the roads, forcing Richard III’s army into the marshy killing ground where Stanley and the Gardiner mercenaries were waiting.
The pardon roll explicitly names him “Thomas Gardynyr of London, skinner” and forgives “omnes riotas, insurrectiones et illicitos conventus” (all riots, insurrections and unlawful assemblies) committed anywhere in England before 21 August 1485.
That is the receipt for the man who sprang the trap.
- Same guild as Sir William Gardiner.
- Same London address range (Budge Row / Cheapside)
- Same pardon batch as the posthumous pardon for Sir William (C 66/562 m. 16)
- Same unicorn countermark in the binding
There were two Gardiner brothers on the field:
- William with the poleaxe
- Thomas with the mob
The commons did not “spontaneously” block the roads.
They were paid to do it.
Direct link: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C6553077 Accessed 8 December 2025