Edward returned in March 1471, with ships and money supplied by the Duke of Burgundy. He landed in Yorkshire, and soon asembled a small army, and he gathered reinforcements as he marched south. On 12 April he entered London unopposed.

Warwick marched to attack him through St. Albans with a mixed force of about 9,000 men, and took up a position on Hadley Green, just north of Barnet. Edward, with 8,000 men, arrived at Barnet in the evening of 13 April. In spite of the darkness, he marched to within a short distance of Warwick. Throughout the night, Warwick had his cannons bombard where he thought his enemies were encamped, but they had moved to a closer position, so they were not hit.

The battle started early next morning in a thick ground mist. Initially, Edward’s left flank, (under Lord Hastings) was beaten from the field by the Earl of Oxford. Richard of Gloucester (the future Richard III) had some success on Edwards right. The centre ground was firercely fought, with no immediate advantage to either side. Oxford, returning from pursuing Hasting’s men, misjudged his position, and his banners were mistaken for Edward’s by Warwick’s centre. (Oxford’s symbol was a star, Edward’s was the “sunne in spleandor”) Thinking that he was being betrayed, Oxford fled the field with his men.

The overall battle lasted between three and four hours, and ended in a complete victory for Edward. The Earl of Warwick was struck down on the field, and his machinations in the politics of the time ended.

Other Important People

Below are mini-biographies of the major noble participants in the wars. Notice that most families had more than one generation involved in the conflict. Those nobles that allied with the Lancastrian cause are labeled with a . Nobles that supported the Yorkists effort are labeled with a . Nobles that switched allegiances are marked with both in the order of their allegiance. 

Audley 

John Audley (14xx - 1459)

Died leading the Lancastrian forces at Blore heath.

John Audley (14xx - 14xx)

First supported the Lancastrians and was captured in 1459 at Calais. Joined the Yorkist cause and was a member of Richard III's council.

Beaufort

Edmund Beaufort, duke of Somerset (c. 1406 - 1455)

Died at battle of First St. Albans.

Henry Beaufort,duke of Somerset (c 1436 - 1464)

Killed at Hexham.

Edmund Beaufort (14xx - 1471)

Brother of Henry; killed at Tewkesbury.

Clifford 

Thomas Clifford (14xx - 1455)

Died at battle of First St. Albans.

John Clifford (14xx - 1461)

First supported the Yorkist cause then fought against them at Wakefield and Towton where he was killed.

Herbert

William Herbert, earl of Pembroke (14xx - 1469)

Executed after the battle of Edgecote Moor

William Herbert (14xx - 1469)

Executed after the battle of Edgecote Moor

Howard

John Howard, duke of Norfolk (14xx - 1485)

Related to the Mowbrays. Awarded duke of Norfolk in 1483. Killed at Bosworth.

Mowbray

John Mowbray, duke of Norfolk (1444 - 1476)

Married to the duke of York's niece. Switched allegiances many times.

Neville

Richard Neville, earl of Salisbury (1400 - 1460)

An early Yorkist leader; was executed after the battle of Wakefield.

Richard Neville, earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker(1428 - 1471)

The most powerful non-royal leader. Worked to make Edward IV king. Killed at the battle of Barnet.

Percy

Henry Percy, 2nd earl of Northumberland (1392 - 1455)

The Percies were the arch-enemies of the Neville family. Henry died at First St. Albans.

Henry Percy, 3rd earl of Northumberland (1421 - 1461)

Died at the battle of Towton

Henry Percy, 4th earl of Northumberland (1449 - 1489)

Imprisoned by Edward IV then pardoned. Killed by peasants of Yorkshire.

Ralph Percy (14xx - 1464)

Killed at the battle of Hedgley Moor.

Roos

Thomas Roos

Executed after the battle of Hexham.