William Catesby

William Catesby was a historical figure associated with Speaker of the House of Commons and Chancellor of the Exchequer. The record associates William Catesby with Kingdom of England.

After serving William Hastings, Catesby rose rapidly under Richard III, becoming Speaker of the House of Commons and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He remained with the king through the Bosworth campaign and was executed at Leicester three days after the battle.

In Derek Birks’ Crown of Fear, the king has assembled a far larger army, but the loyalties of powerful nobles such as Thomas Stanley and Henry Percy remain uncertain, making the approaching battle as much a contest of politics as of military strength. Richard’s councillor William Catesby moves against the Elder family while John advances with Tudor towards Market Bosworth. Hostages, divided loyalties and long memories shape the decisions of men who may determine the crown without ever striking a blow. In Derek Birks’ Echoes of Treason, William Catesby, one of Richard’s most influential councillors, is determined to destroy the Elders before they can become useful to the king’s enemies. In Derek Birks’ Shadow of Doubt, Richard III expects invasion and his councillor William Catesby is hunting suspected opponents, making every contact between Tudor’s supporters and potential allies a dangerous act of treason.