Warwick seized the opportunity to cross the sea.

On the thirteenth of September he landed with Clarence at Dartmouth, and with an army which grew at every step pushed rapidly northward to meet the king.

Taken as he was by surprise, Edward felt little dread of the conflict.

He relied on the secret promises of Clarence and on the repeated oaths of the two Nevilles, and called on Charles of Burgundy to cut off Warwick's retreat by sea after the victory on which he counted.

But the Earl's army no sooner drew near than cries of "Long live King Henry!" from Montagu's camp announced his treason.