The Nobility

• In 1483 there were doubts amongst the nobles about the legitimacy of Richard's claim to the throne.
• The regime looked weak and was seemingly based on the fictitious idea that Edward IV's sons were illegitimate.
• Nevertheless by the beginning of 1485 nearly half of the peers of the realm were firm supporters of Richard and none of the remaining gentry or landowners were conspiring against him.
• They were prepared to accept, often grudgingly Richard's authority as they realised the way to fame and fortune was to cooperate with the regime.
• Men like Lord Ferrers and Lord Dudley worked for the new regime even though they had supported Edward IV. 
• Whatever they thought about Richard's actions, politics and power did not revolve around sentiment and regret.

• Richard III was, after all, a proven military commander in times of war and a proven administrator in times of peace.
• Furthermore, there was no credible alternative: Henry Tudor had a distant claim to the throne but was in exile whilst John De Vere, a powerful peer, had only limited lands and power and he too was in exile.
• In 1483 only four men might have proven troublesome and a threat to Richard's regime: Buckingham was executed after his rebellion in 1483, Norfolk was loyal, Northumberland was only concerned about his power in the north and Lord Stanley was cautious. His main concern was being on the winning side.
• It was only in 1485, after Henry Tudor had invaded and the battle had begun at Bosworth that Lord Stanley sided with Tudor. 
• Some argue it was his brother, William Stanley's intervention that brought him into the fray on Henry Tudor's side.

Richard had also bought support and used patronage effectively to secure his position and consolidate his power. For example, he elevated John Howard to the position of Duke of Norfolk for supporting him in overthrowing Edward V. His son, Thomas Howard was made Earl of Surrey. Richard III repaid for his reward when both men fought on Richard's behalf at Bosworth.