[3] He was cited in Protestant propaganda of later centuries as an example of the corruption of the Medieval Church, although his decision to take orders can hardly have been voluntary, but rather a further means of consolidating the dynastic ambitions of his already powerful family.
[4] He was buried in a tomb in what is now Manchester Cathedral, then a collegiate church, patronised by several generations of the Stanley family, and which he had enriched as Warden.
The tomb, together with the Ely Chapel that housed it, was destroyed during the Blitz although the original, contemporary brass memorial has survived.
He died on 22 March 1515 and was later remembered thus: A goodlie tall man as was in all England And sped well all matters that he took in hand King Harrye the VIIth a prynce noble and sage Made him Bishop for wisdom and Parentage Of Ely.
He did end his life in merry Manchester And right honorablye lieth he buried there In his chapel, which he began of freestone Sir John Stanley built it out when he was gone God send his soule to the heavenlye companye