Warwick, << WAWR ihk >>, Earl of (1428-1471), was a famous English soldier and statesman. He is known as the Kingmaker and has been called Last of the Barons.
Warwick was one of the most powerful men in England during the Wars of the Roses. These wars were fought between two branches of the English royal family—the House of Lancaster and the House of York. The conflict began when nobles of the House of York came together in an attempt to overthrow King Henry VI, who was of the House of Lancaster.
Warwick helped command the victorious York army at the Battle of St. Albans in 1455. In 1460, Warwick won the Battle of Northampton, capturing King Henry VI. But later in the year the Yorkists were defeated at Wakefield. The Duke of York was captured and killed. Warwick became head of the Yorkists as guardian of his cousin, Prince Edward.
Another battle was fought at St. Albans in 1461, and Warwick was defeated. But he boldly proclaimed Edward, the Duke of York, King Edward IV of England. Later in 1461, Edward and Warwick decisively defeated the Lancastrians in the Battle of Towton. But Edward and Warwick soon quarreled. In 1470, an army led by Warwick invaded England from France and forced King Edward to flee. Warwick then restored Queen Margaret and Henry VI to the throne. But on April 14, 1471, Warwick met Edward in battle again, at Barnet, and was killed. Warwick was born on Nov. 22, 1428. His given and family name was Richard Neville.
