1461. Edward, earl of March (son and heir of Richard), defeated the Lancastrians, under the earl of Pembroke, at MORTIMER'S CROSS (Feb. 2). Margaret defeated the Yorkists under the earl of Warwick at ST. ALBAN'S (Feb. 17). Edward a few days after reached London, =and was acknowledged king= (Mar. 4). In the early part of this reign it was enacted that county members must be elected by freeholders whose estates were worth at least 40s. a year. THE HOUSE OF YORK. EDWARD IV. =D.= Edward was the eldest surviving son of Richard, duke of York, who was the lineal descendant of Lionel, duke of Clarence, son of Edward III. =B.= at Rouen, 1441. =M.= Elizabeth Woodville. =Dd.= at Westminster, April 9, 1483. =R.= 22 years (1461 to 1483). 1461. Edward defeated the Lancastrians, under the duke of Somerset (son of the duke slain at St. Alban's), at TOWTON, in Yorkshire: total loss 38,000 (Mar. 29). Henry and Margaret escaped into Scotland. 1464. The Lancastrians defeated at HEDGLEY MOOR (April 25), and HEXHAM (May 15). The duke of Somerset captured in the second battle, and executed. 1467. Jealousy between the Woodvilles (relatives of the queen) and the Nevilles (or Warwick family). The latter had been, up to this time, the most strenuous supporters of the Yorkists. 1469. An insurrection broke out, and the royal forces were defeated at EDGECOTE, near Banbury (July 26). The queen's father and one of her brothers captured soon after, and beheaded by the insurgents. 1470. An insurrection in Lincolnshire. The insurgents defeated by the king at STAMFORD (Mar. 12). The earl of Warwick, the duke of Clarence (brother of Edward IV.), and Queen Margaret, met at the court of Louis XI. of France, and were reconciled. =Warwick and Clarence invaded England=, and proclaimed Henry VI. Edward escaped to Flanders. In this year a battle was fought between the friends and retainers of Lord Berkeley, and those of Lord Lisle, at NIBLEY GREEN, in Gloucestershire--the last instance of a pitched battle between two powerful noblemen in England. 1471. Edward returned, and was soon joined by Clarence. The Lancastrians, under Warwick, defeated by Edward at BARNET: Warwick, "the king-maker," slain (April 14). Margaret landed at Weymouth, and was defeated by Edward at TEWKESBURY (May 4). Prince Edward assassinated, and the duke of Somerset (brother of the commander at Hexham) executed. 1475. Edward demanded the crown of France, and invaded the country to enforce his claim. ~Treaty of Pecquigny~ (Aug. 29). The most important article of the treaty was that Edward agreed to a truce for 7 years, on condition of receiving an annuity from Louis XI. 1478. Edward prosecuted his brother Clarence for high treason. He was condemned, and is said to have been drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine. Edward was the first sovereign who exacted benevolences from his subjects. Tonnage and poundage were granted to him for life. EDWARD V.