Warwick, Richard Neville, Earl of

views updated May 18 2018

Warwick, Richard Neville, Earl of (1428–71) English magnate known as ‘the Kingmaker’, who held the balance of power during the Wars of the Roses. After the death of Richard of York, he was the chief power in the kingdom (1461–64). Breaking with Richard's son, Edward IV, Warwick changed sides, and restored Henry VI to the throne in 1470. Edward returned with fresh troops and Warwick was defeated and killed at the Battle of Barnet.

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