Edward IV's First Reign

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1461 (4th March)

Edward Duke of York took the throne as Edward IV with Warwick as his chief advisor.

1461 (29th March)

Battle of Towton

Edward pursued the Lancastrians north and attacked them near Tadcaster. After a long fight in heavy snowfall, the Lanastrians were defeated having suffered heavy casualties.

1461 (April)

Following the Lancastrian defeat at the Battle of Towton, Margaret and Prince Edward fled to Scotland where they were given refuge. Henry was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

1461 (28th June)

Edward IV was crowned King at Westminster Abbey.

1461 (after June)

Warwick was the real power behind the crown and made decisions and shaped policy.

1461 (1st November)

Edward created his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester.

1462 (during)

Warwick was created High Admiral of England and Steward of the Duchy of Lancaster.

1462 (Summer)

Warwick successfully negotiated a truce with Scotland.

1462 (October)

Margaret of Anjou invaded with French troops and with the support of northern nobles including Ralph Percy took the castles of Alnwick and Bamburgh.

1463 (January)

Warwick had recaptured Alnwick and Bamburgh castles. The leaders of the rebellion were pardoned and Warwick returned to London.

1463 (late March)

Ralph Percy and northern nobles rose in support of Henry VI and took Northumberland and Norham. Warwick returned to the north and took Norham but was unable to take Northumberland. Unable to put the rebellions down, Warwick negotiated a truce with France which would be sealed with the marriage of Edward IV to the French King’s sister. Without French support the Lancastrians were unable to maintain there hold on the north. The leaders of the rebellion were executed.

1464 (1st May)

Edward secretly married Elizabeth Woodville, daughter of Richard Woodville, Baron Rivers.

1464 (September)

Edward announced his marriage. Warwick was angry with Edward because he had promised the French that Edward would seal their alliance with a royal marriage between the two countries.

1465 (24th July)

Henry VI was captured by Yorkist forces and taken to the Tower of London.

1466 (11th February)

A daughter, Elizabeth, was born to Edward and Elizabeth Woodville at the Palace of Westminster.

1466 (Spring)

Warwick was sent to negotiate with both the French and the Burgundians. Any truce would be sealed with the marriage of Edward’s sister Margaret. Warwick believed that a truce with France would be best for the country.

1466 (during)

King Edward made the Queen’s father, Baron Rivers, treasurer. Rivers pressed for an alliance with the Burgundians bringing him into conflict with Warwick who favoured a French alliance.

1467 (11th August)

A daughter, Mary, was born to Edward and Elizabeth Woodville at Windsor Castle.

1467 (October)

Warwick learned that Edward had gone behind his back and signed a treaty with the Burgundians. Warwick was frustrated and annoyed that Edward favoured his wife’s relatives rather than his trusted advisors.

1467 (late October)

Warwick was accused of plotting to return Henry VI to the throne. Warwick refused to attend court to answer the charge but instead sent a letter of denial which the King accepted.

1469 (during)

Warwick, frustrated by his lack of power over Edward, turned his attention to Edward’s younger brother, George, Duke of Clarence who he possibly intended to make King in Edward’s stead.

1469 (20th March)

A daughter, Cecily, was born to Edward and Elizabeth Woodville at the Palace of Westminster.

1469 (April)

Warwick secretly organised a rebellion against Edward in the North. The rebellion, known as Robin of Redesdale’s Rebellion, was quickly put down by the Yorkists.

1469 (26th July)

Battle of Edgecote Moor

Warwick raised an army of northern rebels led by Sir John Conyers, Edward’s cousin. They defeated a force of Welsh loyalists led by William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke.

1469 (late July)

Warwick captured Edward IV, and executed Baron Rivers and his son. With Edward in captivity he married his daughter to George Duke of Clarence. Warwick then attempted to rule in Edward’s name but he was not supported by the nobility.

1469 (August)

Warwick moved Edward IV to Middleham Castle where he remained under house arrest.

1469 (10th September)

Failing to gain the support of the nobility and with the country descending into disorder Warwick was forced to release Edward.

1469 (October)

Edward and Warwick tried to work together but when Edward went against Warwick’s advice and restored Henry Percy to Northumberland their relationship broke down.

1470 (12th March)

Battle of Losecoat Field

Warwick and George Duke of Clarence, with Lancastrian support, rebelled against Edward but were defeated. They fled to France.

1470 (1st May)

Warwick made an alliance with Margaret of Anjou.

1470 (13th September)

Warwick and the Duke of Clarence at the head of an army returned to England and landed at Plymouth.

1470 (2nd October)

In the face of mounting opposition from Warwick, Edward fled to Burgundy. His wife, Elizabeth Woodville, who was heavily pregnant, sought sanctuary in Westminster Abbey

1470 (3rd October)

Henry was restored to the English throne with Warwick as chief minister.