The rebellion led by Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, marked a significant turning point in the struggle for the English throne during the Wars of the Roses. Warwick, initially a supporter of King Edward IV, became disillusioned due to Edward's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, a union that alienated many noble families, including Warwick's own. Frustrated by this and other political maneuvers that diminished his power and influence, Warwick sought to reestablish a Lancastrian regime, culminating in his alliance with the exiled King Henry VI.

As Warwick gathered forces, the situation for Edward IV became precarious. In response to Warwick’s growing power and the rising discontent in the realm, Edward attempted to consolidate his strength, but the support he once commanded was rapidly eroding. In early October, Warwick’s army advanced, prompting Edward IV to abandon his kingdom. He fled to the Netherlands, leaving behind a turbulent political landscape, as Warwick successfully restored Henry VI to the throne, albeit temporarily.

This rebellion exemplified the factional strife that characterized the Wars of the Roses. It underscored the volatility of loyalty during this tumultuous period, where allegiances could quickly shift, leading to significant changes in power dynamics within the English nobility. Edward's departure initiated a chain of events that would ultimately lead to further conflict, as both he and Warwick sought to reclaim an unstable throne.