Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland

Also known as: Henrie Persie earle of Northumberland / earle Northumberland · Family: England · Role: lord marshal; Earl of Northumberland · First appears: Richard II 2

In c. 1377, Richard II created Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland: “the lord Henrie Percie earle of Northumberland.” As lord marshal, Henry acted with his brother Thomas Percy, Earl of Worcester, and in c. 1378 he recaptured a castle from the Scots with Alan de Heton and Thomas de Ilderton, after first seeking Roger Mortimer, Earl of March’s position on the breach of the truce. When Henry wished to retaliate against the Scots around c. 1380, Richard II ordered him to wait until the truce date; in c. 1391, the king recalled him from Calais and made him warden of the marches against Scotland.

By c. 1398, Richard II had included Henry among the nobles granted broad authority over Parliament. In c. 1399, Henry took Flint Castle for Henry IV and ambushed Richard II, compelling him to go to Rutland; after Richard’s deposition, Henry was made constable of England and confirmed in that office at the coronation, with the right to carry Lancaster’s sword. He had earlier been sent against Richard FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel, but by this stage Richard II had proclaimed Henry’s brother a traitor.

At the beginning of Henry IV’s reign, Henry, Thomas Percy, Earl of Worcester, and his son Hotspur were “both faithfull freends, and earnest aiders” of the king. Around c. 1402, however, the Percies sought Scottish aid against Henry, promising lands and lordships, and in c. 1403 they freed their cousin Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March and allied with Owen Glendower, intending to depose Henry and place Edmund on the throne. Henry IV answered their accusations by guaranteeing the safe passage of Henry, Hotspur, and Thomas Percy, Earl of Worcester to appear before him.