Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland

Henry Percy, born to Henry de Percy, 3rd Baron Percy, and Mary of Lancaster, held significant roles in the administration of northern England during the reigns of Edward III and Richard II. Initially a follower of Edward III, he became Warden of the Marches towards Scotland in 1362 and was tasked with overseeing the Scottish marches’ fortifications in 1367. Percy’s loyalty shifted to Richard II, under whom he was created an Earl in 1377 and briefly served as Marshal of England. He also held the position of Admiral of the Northern Seas between 1383 and 1384. Percy’s allegiance changed again when he supported Henry Bolingbroke’s rebellion against Richard II, leading to Bolingbroke’s coronation as Henry IV, during which Percy was appointed Constable of England and granted lordship of the Isle of Man.

Percy’s relationship with Henry IV soured over the handling of Scottish prisoners and the Welsh rebellion led by Owain Glyndŵr. The Battle of Homildon Hill in 1402 and the subsequent disagreement over ransoming the captured Scots were significant events in his life. Percy’s attempt to make peace with the Welsh rebels further strained his relationship with the king. His involvement in the Percy rebellion of 1403, although indirect, led to the loss of his office as Constable. In 1405, he participated in the Tripartite Indenture, a failed agreement to divide England among Glyndŵr, the Mortimers, and himself. After supporting another rebellion led by Richard le Scrope and fleeing to Scotland, his estates were confiscated. Percy’s final rebellion in 1408 ended with his death at the Battle of Bramham Moor. Henry Percy is also recognized in literature, notably as a character in Shakespeare’s plays and in the historical sitcom ‘The Black Adder’.