Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, was the eldest son of Richard Neville, Earl of Salisbury. He married Anne, daughter and heiress of Richard de Beauchamp, earl of Warwick, and was himself created Earl of Warwick in 1449. In 1455, the Nevilles led the effort to overthrow Somerset, chief advisor to Henry VI. Warwick was rewarded with the governorship of Calais. In 1459, he was defeated at Ludlow and retired to Calais.
After the disastrous Battle of Wakefield in 1460, leadership of the House of York fell to Warwick on behalf of Edward, earl of March, Richard's son. Warwick entered London and Edward IV was proclaimed king. Warwick conducted Henry VI to the Tower of London in June, 1465.
Misunderstandings and resentment of the Neville power alienated Edward IV from Warwick and open conflict broke out. After fleeing to France, Warwick landed at Plymouth in 1470 with an army and restored Henry VI to the throne, forcing Edward IV to flee. Edward returned and killed Warwick at the Battle of Barnet in 1471.
