Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, known as the Kingmaker, was a powerful noble in the Wars of the Roses. He helped Edward IV become king, later allied with Margaret of Anjou to restore Henry VI, and was killed at Barnet in 1471.
Yorkist magnate and political power broker (1428–1471)
Follow Warwick's rise, his break with Edward IV and the alliance that ended at Barnet.
Born into the Neville family, Richard inherited the earldom of Warwick through his marriage to Anne Beauchamp. His wealth, northern connections and kinship network made him one of the most powerful magnates in England. He joined the Yorkist coalition alongside his father, the Earl of Salisbury.
Warwick supported Yorkist opposition to Henry VI's government and became a leading commander in the civil war. After York was killed at Wakefield, Warwick backed York's son Edward. Victories including Towton helped Edward take the throne in 1461.
Warwick played a central role in the new regime and pursued a French diplomatic alignment. Edward's secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville in 1464 upset Warwick's plans and elevated the queen's relatives at court. Their differences widened into an open political rupture.
Warwick and Clarence backed rebellions against Edward in 1469. They briefly captured the king but failed to establish a stable government. After renewed conflict, they fled to France. Their opposition had changed from a dispute over policy into an attempt to replace Edward's political settlement.
Louis XI helped broker a settlement between Warwick and Margaret of Anjou. Warwick's daughter Anne married Margaret's son Edward, joining the former enemies in a coalition. Their invasion drove Edward IV from England, and Henry VI was restored in October 1470.
The restoration proved short. Edward returned with a small force and gathered support on his march south. At Barnet in April 1471, confusion in the Lancastrian ranks contributed to defeat. Warwick was killed, and Edward went on to defeat the remaining Lancastrian army at Tewkesbury.
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