John Stanley  ruled 22 years (H83) from *1472 - 1491 (C41, October 1491 in C40C) *1469 to 1491 (WARD, M, PAGE). The list of Abbots was compiled during his rule.
 
‘By his prudence and labour he got possession of certain lands and tenements lost of old time’ (H83).  

‘A venerable father in prudence (and) knowledge’ (H83, FOX).
 
About 1472 covenanted with vicars of Lichfield for them to say a daily mass (details in C41E)

20 Oct 1472 The abbots of Welbeck and Dale visited Beauchief Abbey (C41E).
 
Sep (PAGE) 1473 - The abbot was licensed to appropriate the rectory of Heanor, the gift of Henry, Lord Grey of Heanor (C41).   The licence was obtained by John, bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, William Lord Hastings, Thomas Lord Stanley, William abbot of Rufford and others, provided a perpetual vicarage be endowed and some church profits given to the poor annually (PAGE).  This was transferred via trustees to avoid the fine of mortmain (C41E).  The said church was worth 14 marks p.a. (COX18).
 
Bishop Redman visited before 25 Oct 1474.

1474 reputation of Dale Abbey gravely stained (C41).
 
Names of canons on 6 Jun 1475 are given in M, PAGE and C41, and the visitation notes are also in PAGE.  Nothing was found blameworthy, but good fame, charity and peace in all.  Certain prayers and devotions in choir, introduced contrary to the customs of the Order, were forbidden;  regulations for various feasts and functions and for observance of silence at statutory times;  also for observance of certain ceremonies;  also the abbot was ordered to provide suitable food and drink so as to avoid cause for grumbling (M). 
 
1478 work on building the cloister newly begun (H83) (see Remnants).

1478 John Saunders, circator of Halesowen, returned there after 80 days' punishment.  

26 April 1479 The abbot was elected diffinitor (member of a select committee which did the real work in provincial chapters) (C41).