Richard Neville 16th Earl of Warwick was viewed as key to the fortunes of the Yorkist faction in early 1461 by foreign commentators. This is noted frequently by men such as Francesco Copino, Bishop of Terni. Copino had a diplomatic relationship with the Earl of Warwick.
Copino had accompanied him and other Yorkist leaders from Calais in 1460, being at the Battle of Northampton with the Yorkists. Following the defeat of the Duke of York at Wakefield, Copino was of the view that whilst losses were severe, the prospects for the future were not entirely unfavourable, so long as the Earl of Warwick was safe.
I am not discouraged, as the Earl of Warwick is safe
57. Francesco Copino, Bishop of Terni, Papal Legate in England to Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan (fn. 7).
Owing to the heavy occupations which engage me at present, I have no time to write at length, but I have asked M. Antonio de la Torre to take my place. One thing only will I write, that though the loss and danger are great, yet I am not discouraged, as the Earl of Warwick is safe, with the king’s majesty and with the goodwill of the people about us. I hope that we shall have a good peace, which would be welcome now, though there are many difficulties; but with the king’s reputation, who is well disposed, and with my authority I hope they may be resolved, and then we can attend to other matters for the honour of God and the realm.
Long live your Excellency, to whom I commend myself. I desire that Messer Ciccho shall read this in the customary manner and answer whether he has had a letter by the hand of the Medici.
London, the 11th January, 1461.
[Italian.]‘Milan: 1461’, in Calendar of State Papers and Manuscripts in the Archives and Collections of Milan 1385-1618, ed. Allen B Hinds (London, 1912), British History Online
Featured Image
Cassell’s History – “LONDON IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY” – Engraving – 1858
Further Reading
The Battle of Wakefield page includes recent research along with the traditional account. The Battle of Towton page contains a range of source material outlining the changing narrative over time. The Milanese papers are extensive, with a selection of relevant documents indexed here. An overview of the traditional narrative of the Battle of Wakefield, or the Battle of Towton, with notes on more recent thinking. For recent research and academic commentary about this period, see the Substack posts by Dr. David Grummitt.