One of the most interesting aspects of the Wars of the Roses was the general lawlessness, which often culminated in the large battles we know so well. However, because of the corruption and lack of justice, many wealthy families of the time developed personal feuds, some of which they were only able to resolve through battle. The Stafford family were not immune from this, and the more minor branch of the family from Grafton became embroiled in an argument with some supporters of the Duke of Suffolk. Suffolk was the King's favourite during the late 1440's and many of his retainers were involved in illegal acts, conducting a virtual reign of terror over most of East Anglia. Sir Robert Harcourt was one such fellow. Even other peer's were unable to take action due to Suffolk's influence and support from the King.

On May 1448, Sir Humphrey Stafford of Grafton, his eldest son Richard and a number of his servants were making for their Inn at Coventry, when they met Sir Robert Harcourt and his attendants. They immediately fell to blows. Harcourt struck Richard on the head with his sword, not seriously, for the young man made at Harcourt with his dagger. He stumbled and one of Harcourt's men stabbed him in the back, mortally. Sir Humphrey was also struck from behind and fell from his horse. A general melee ensued in which Stafford's servants killed two of Harcourt's men. The city coroner indicted Sir Robert the next day of murder and he was detained in Chester Castle for a while. However, he was soon released and had still not been brought to trial a year later, through Suffolk's influencing of the local Sheriff by a writ of the Privy Seal.