York and Salisbury, faced with the threat of attack from the Percys, and with Margaret of Anjou trying to gain the support of new king James III of Scotland, on December 2 head north.

With them goes York's son Edmund, Earl of Rutland.

They arrive at Sandal Castle on 21 December to find the situation bad and getting worse.

Forces loyal to Henry control the city of York, and nearby Pontefract Castle is also in hostile hands.

York and his forces leave Sandal on December 30, possibly to obtain supplies.

Intercepted near Wakefield, both York and Rutland are killed, the latter executed the following day together with the captured Salisbury.

Margaret orders the heads of all three placed on the gates of York.

The Act of Accord and the events of Wakefield leave the eighteen-year-old Edward, Earl of March, York's eldest son, as Duke of York and heir to the throne.

Salisbury's death leaves Warwick, his heir, as the biggest landowner in England.

Warwick, with the captive King Henry in his train, has been made outstandingly wealthy by his father’s death.