King Edward IV hears of a rebel Commission of Array

Edward IV was at Waltham Abbey on 7 March 1470. He had been joined by many barons, including Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Arundel and William, Lord Hastings.

Pressure on Edward IV

His reign had faced a significant test. The Earl of Warwick had, for a period, kept the King under virtual house arrest. Government had been in the King’s name but by Warwick’s hand. Edward’s return to governance had diminished Warwick’s influence at court but did little to address the Earl and his supporters’ complaints about Edward’s rule.

King Edward IV hears of a rebel Commission of Array

Rebels were known to be preparing and some, Lord Welles and Dymmock, were being held captive by the King. The news that the King received on 7 March was potentially devastating. The rebels had issued a Commission of Array, gathering a large army to use against the King.

Two rebel forces?

Edward intended to march north to tackle northern rebels. He was told that Sir Robert Welles was raising a large army. This would mean facing two rebel armies, and he was unsure of the intent of the Earl of Warwick.

Revolts

There were two revolts that followed. Firstly, the Lincolnshire Rebellion of March 1470. This saw a victory for Edward IV at the Battle of Empingham [Losecoat Field]. Later, in May and June, there was a revolt in Yorkshire.