Edward IV vs Warwick: From Alliance to Rebellion (1464-1469)

Everything kicked off when Edward IV secretly married Elizabeth Woodville in May 1464, whilst Warwick was busy negotiating a French marriage for the king. This wasn't just embarrassing - it was a massive political slap in the face that completely undermined Warwick's diplomatic efforts.

The Woodville family quickly became Edward's new favourites, which really wound up Warwick. Elizabeth's father, Lord Rivers, became treasurer of England in 1466, whilst her son Thomas Grey married into the wealthy Exeter duchy - a match that had been promised to Warwick's own nephew. Edward also refused to let Warwick's daughter Isabel marry his brother George in 1467.

By 1467, Warwick had withdrawn from court entirely, feeling pushed out by this upstart family. He'd lost his position as Admiral of England to a Woodville, and his hopes for controlling Wales were being blocked by the Herbert family. The French, who had seen Warwick as the real power behind Edward's throne, watched these developments with great interest.

Key Point: Edward's secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville in 1464 destroyed his relationship with Warwick and set the stage for civil war within the Yorkist camp.

In April 1469, Warwick inspired two major rebellions against Edward's rule, taking advantage of public anger over poor harvests. He allied with Edward's brother George (Duke of Clarence), who also hated the Woodvilles. In July 1469, George married Warwick's daughter Isabel in Calais without Edward's permission, and together they declared their intention to rid England of 'evil councillors' - meaning the Woodville family. At the Battle of Edgecote in July 1469, Edward's forces were defeated, and key Woodville supporters including Lord Rivers and Elizabeth's brother John were captured and executed.