Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham

Timeline

1. 1511–1514London · LondonAs Duke of Buckingham, Stafford sat on the Privy Council and in Parliament, holding extensive estates in Wales and the English Midlands. His lavish display and royal blood made him the most conspicuous nobleman at court, and gradually aroused the king's wariness.
2. 1512–1513Westminster · LondonDuring Henry's war with France, Stafford took part in military preparations and parliamentary debates over taxation. Though nominally supportive of the crown, his independent military strength and regional influence left Wolsey and the king doubting his loyalty.
3. 1515–1519Thornbury Castle · GloucestershireStafford built luxurious castles at Thornbury and elsewhere, with display nearly rivaling the royal household. Rumors spread that he was checking royal bloodlines and plotting for the throne, prompting Henry and Wolsey to begin gathering evidence of his presumption and treason.
4. 1520Windsor Castle · BerkshireAround and during the Field of the Cloth of Gold meeting in 1520, Stafford still moved in court circles but was excluded from core decision-making. Royal agents monitored his words and actions, and former servants were summoned to testify, laying the groundwork for his treason trial the following year.