Sir Michael Stanhope

• General Notes
  • Sir Michael was tried on a charge of felony, condemned at a mock trial, and sentenced to be hanged, and on the commutation of this sentence, he was beheaded on Tower Hill, killed with three other Knights, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir Miles Partridge, and Sir Ralph Vane. The warrant for his execution was dated February 25, 1552 [Rymer's Collection, vol. xv., 1704-1735]. He was beheaded the next day, strongly protesting his innocence. In modern terms, he was the victim of a mafia family power struggle. Both Somerset and Dudley were ruthless and grasping people. Somerset ruled through a group of carefully chosen administrators, of lesser social standing, including his brother-in law, Sir Michael Stanhope. Somerset was 'looked down upon by everybody as a dry, sour, opinionated man' [Van der Delft, Dutch Embassador, 1547]. Dudley's ascendency cost him dearly, and readily condemned Michael Stanhope, his all too enthusiastic supporter, with him.