Edward reckoned on the loyalty of Warwick's brothers, the Archbishop of York and Lord Montagu.

The last indeed he "loved," and Montagu's firm allegiance during his brother's defection seemed to justify his confidence in him.

But in his desire to redress some of the wrongs of the civil war Edward had utterly estranged the Nevilles.

In 1469 he released Henry Percy from the Tower, and restored to him the title and estates of his father, the attainted Earl of Northumberland.

Montagu had possessed both as his share of the Yorkist spoil, and though Edward made him a marquis in amends he had ever since nursed plans of revenge.