Richard III

It appears quite clear that Warwick saw himself as the Kingmaker who put Edward on the throne. Now he felt aggrieved on several accounts. Firstly the failed marriage he had sought with France, had caused him much humiliation. The Woodville siblings had depleted England of most of the eligible heirs, and now Edward had refused the marriages between Warwick's daughters, Isobel and Anne, to Edward's brothers, George and Richard. He also felt his influence over Edward was waning and his position on the Council was being eroded.His ambition to be Edward's only right hand man, and to be the real ruler of the country was being thwarted. Before long, he turned to his old Lancastrian enemies. George of Clarence, who always wanted power, was Edward's heir presumptive since Edward was yet to sire any sons. It was suggested that George begrudged and hated the Woodvilles for all the personal favour, wealth and influence that they had received. When Warwick offered him Isobel in marriage, and within closer reach of the crown, he accepted.

In June 1469, Warwick and Clarence with their influences throughout the country declared rebellion on Edward, captured and imprisoned him. However, widespread disorder broke out and being unable to control the problem, they were forced to release Edward. He was magnanimous in his forgiveness, but this did not prevent the two cousins from continuing their plotting, and eventually fleeing to France. Here, they joined forces with Margaret of Anjou.

*Click on the picture above, to go to The Warwick Castle Home page. There are many interesting facts, figures and fun to be found there.

Whilst they were in France, Warwick's youngest daughter Anne was wed to the Lancastrian Prince of Wales, Edward. Prior to landing in France, Warwick's eldest daughter had given birth to a stillborn child, while they waited on board ship for permission to dock. This further fueled the anger of George, Duke of Clarence, against Edward, such was his unsound reasoning.

When a rebellion broke out in Northern England in September,1470, Edward left London and Warwick and his followers chose this moment to invade the country. This time it was Edward, Richard and their closest friends who were forced to flee. Their destination was Flanders. Warwick re-appointed Henry VI as King and ruled in his name.

In March 1471, Edward landed at Ravenspur with 2,000 men. Clarence, who was always one to change to where the grass looked greener, rode to join him. He believed the power and his glory lay with Edward and his brother welcomed him with open arms.

Warwick was killed in the ensuing Battle of Barnet. At the Battle of Tewkesbury, a few weeks later, Edward of Lancaster was also slain and there was a resounding Yorkist victory. Henry VI died the night that Edward re-entered London.

In restoring law and order in England, Edward saw more sense and profit by imposing fines rather than executions. The loyal were rewarded, and none more so than Richard of Gloucester, Edward's devoted and youngest brother.He was made Constable and Admiral of England, Great Chamberlain and Steward of the Duchy of Lancaster beyond the Trent. He attained supreme command of the North. He was granted all of Warwick's estates in Yorkshire, Cumberland and was made Warden of the West Marches towards Scotland, Warden of the East and Middle Marches and was given authority over the powerful Earl of Northumberland. Within two months, James III of Scotland was appealing for peace, such was Richard's success in dealing with the Scots. The oncoming years gave Northern England unprecedented order because of Richard's rule, and this one-time unruly disastrous area established harmony with the House of York and devotion to Richard himself. All this at the tender age of 18 years.

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