Philippe de Commines suggests that it was John Neville's fault that Warwick died that day. John Neville, Warwick's younger brother had persuaded Warwick to dismount his horse and fight at ground level, as pictured here, but despite Edward IV's attempts to save his cousin, Neville died at the hands of the Yorkist infantry.
Another version says he was killed while fleeing.
According to Sir John Paston, who escaped death at Barnet, the total amount of lives lost was two thousand, including several important nobles. John Neville died that day along with his William Tyrrell. On the side of the Yorkist those who perished were Sir Humphrey Bourchier and William Fiennes.
With the death of Richard Neville, did history lose
"a man driven by pride and egotism, who created and deposed kings at will."
Shakespeare has something to do with how we perceive Neville today, and if we dismiss his writings on Richard III then we must do the same for Richard Neville. But unlike Shakespeare's Richard III, there is evidence to back up the words
written about him.
Personally, I believe Warwick could have been one of history's heroes if he had stayed true to Edward IV and his cause, but he sacrificed all by being 'true to himself.' That, of course, is a trait that could be commended, but not in Richard Neville's case. Despite his power, wealth, and all he achieved he was a selfish man of the worst kind. If he did not get what he wanted then he would go somewhere else to get it.
Did Edward mourn his passing?
Maybe! Richard, Duke of Gloucester certainly did, even then there was disagreement as to the King Maker's character.
After Barnet, the bodies of both Neville brothers were said to be displayed in London and then taken to Bisham Priory in Berkshire.