On 27 May 1464, John Neville, Lord Montagu was created Earl of Northumberland. This promotes him in place of the Lancastrian supporting Percy family.
John Neville was the younger brother of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick. In the North Eastern campaigns of 1462-4, he had played a significant role in combatting Lancastrian resistance and attacks by the Scots.
It was he who had commanded the Yorkist forces at both the battles of Hedgely Moor and Hexham. These two battles paved the way for a truce with Scotland and the end of any effective Lancastrian resistance in the North East.
As the Earl of Northumberland’ father and family had fought for the Lancastrians, he was stripped of his title. It was duly granted to John Neville on 27 May 1464 to reward his loyalty and military successes.
The creation of John as the Earl of Northumberland gave the Neville family administrative control over the North East, creating a large and powerful power base.
However, when Henry Percy made his peace with King Edward, the title reverted to the traditional Percy landholders. Neville was allocated alternative titles and lands in the south but, feeling slighted, joined his brother fighting for the Lancastrians at the Battle of Barnet, where he died.