by 27 Jul 1453, says Griffiths, the situation in the north had deteriorated so badly that the crown effectively abrogated its authority in the region, by writing directly to the two earls [Note Henry Percy 2nd Earl of Northumberland (age 60) and Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 53)], laying responsibility for ending the dispute on them, and instructing them to keep their sons in order. It was at this point too, that the commission of oyer and terminer of 12 July was re-issued.

Around 10 Aug 1453 John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu (age 22) summoned with Thomas Percy 1st Baron Egremont (age 30) to appear before a Royal Council; he ignored it.

In Sep 1453 John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu (age 22) ransacked the manor of Thomas Percy 1st Baron Egremont (age 30) breaking windows and tiles.

On 08 Oct 1453, the council wrote to the earl of Westmorland (age 47) and congratulated him on not assisting the Middleham branch. It also wrote again to Salisbury (age 53) and Northumberland (age 60)

In retaliation, Sir John Neville raided the absent Earl of Northumberland's (age 60) house at Catton, in Yorkshire, and all but ruined it. The next day, Richard Percy attacked a house on Neville property.

On 20 Oct 1453 John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu (age 22), and his brothers Thomas Neville (age 23) and Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury (age 24), met with Henry Percy 2nd Earl of Northumberland (age 60) and to negotiate peace.

On 20 Oct 1454 both the Neville and Percy families summoned their retainers to their respective castles: Percy to Topcliffe Castle [Map], Neville to Sheriff Hutton Castle [Map] separated by a distance of around four miles.