In the spring of 1326, Isabella arranged a future marriage between her son Edward and Philippa, the daughter of William I, Count of Hainaut.

In September, Isabella with her supporters, who included her lover Roger Mortimer, landed by the River Orwell in Suffolk.

Isabella's army of some 1,500 men had fought its way deep into England already, King Edward remaining in London throughout.

However, London was against him, and fearing a heavy defeat the king decided to leave the city and head west with his supporters, including the Earl of Winchester and the other Despensers.

The small royal army retreated speedily to Gloucester, leaving the way clear for Isabella and Mortimer to take London without a fight.