Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815-1881) was born in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, England, the son of clergyman Edward Stanley, who later became Bishop of Norwich. He was educated at the Rugby School and then at Balliol College at the University of Oxford. He graduated in 1838 and afterwards, in 1839, served as a fellow at University College, Oxford, the same year he was ordained. During his ecclesiastical career he served in many positions including: Canon of Canterbury (1851-1858), Canon of Christ Church, Oxford (1856-1864), and, ultimately, as Dean of Westminster (1864-1881). During his career, he authored many books on history, architecture, and theology, the two most well known being Historical Memorials of Canterbury Cathedral and Historical Memorials of Westminster Abbey. He is buried in the south eastern chapel of Henry VII's chapel in Westminster Abbey alongside his wife Augusta Elizabeth Stanley (1822-1876).

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