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An Uneasy PeaceThe Yorkists were now more firmly in control and on 28 June Edward was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Their position was not yet secure, however, as Henry and Margaret, now in Scotland, still posed a threat. Henry and Margaret had concluded an alliance with the Scots, which included the surrender of the border town Berwick on Tweed. After Berwick had been surrendered, the Scots lost interest in the Lancastrians, and it became clear to Margaret that another source of support would be needed. Margaret had little choice but to turn to France, however this was an unwise move. The English regarded the French as their traditional enemies, and Edward was able to use this as propaganda against Margaret.Edward now set about restructuring the administration and the economy of the country. He re-arranged lands and titles bestowed by Henry and gave them to his own supporters. Three years into his reign, northern England was still not under Edward’s control. In order to deal with this, Edward knew he would need to negotiate a peace with the Scots. In April 1464 Edward sent John Neville, now Lord Montagu, to negotiate with the Scots. At Hedgeley Moor, while escorting Scottish emissaries to York to meet with Edward, Montagu was attacked by Somerset and Ralph Percy. The Lancastrians were defeated. Somerset managed to escape, but Percy was killed, Somerset set about building up a new army and in May met with Montagu at Hexham. Again the Lancastrians were defeated. Somerset was captured and later executed at Newcastle for treason. As a reward for his services, Edward bestowed the earldom of Northumberland on Montagu. Margaret and Edward Prince of Wales had escaped to France. Henry however, was not so lucky. He was captured shortly after Hexham and taken to the Tower of London. Edward now seemed secure on his throne.
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