When Edward IV claimed the throne in the Battle of Townton and established the Yorkist dynasty, it was thought that this young and strong man would rule without problems from those other than the Lancastrians. However in 1469 his closest adviser and ‘king maker’, Warwick turned against him in favour of the weak Lancastrian Henry VI. It is argued that it was Warwick’s own selfish and uncontrolled ambition which led to this breach between two friends, however numerous factors may have also caused this end, for example Edwards unscrupulous marriage to Elizabeth Woodville and the differing opinions to foreign policy, which would lead to the breach in friendship and yet another war between the Lancastrians and Yorkist leaders.
John Gillingham’s Interpretation B would suggest a divided argument on the breach between these two great friends being caused by both Warwick’s uncontrolled ambition and the King’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville. It agrees with the Interpretation in that Gillingham believed that Warwick was discontent with the power granted by Edward although he much believed that he had put the Yorkist on the throne, and had expected more gratitude through access to power. “English policy should be Warwick’s policy”, which assesses well the interpretation that Warwick saw himself as the ‘puppeteer’ behind Edwards reign. This view is also shared by Charles Ross’ source A, of which states that although Warwick was showered in patronage, for example being granted wardship of Francis Lovell and having Richard of Gloucester (this King’s prized possession) installed into his household; he refused to “accept anything less than domination over the king”. This suggests that Warwick indeed saw himself as ’The King Maker’ and true mind behind the rule of England which can be substantiated by Warwick’s