Henry Percy, 4th Earl of Northumberland

Henry Percy, 4th Earl of Northumberland, (c. 1449 – 28 April, 1489) son of Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Northumberland and his wife Eleanor Poynings , daughter of Richard Poynings, Lord Poynings.

Related Topics:
1449 - 28 April - 1489 - Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Northumberland

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His father was first cousin to (among others) Edward IV of England, Margaret of Burgundy, George, Duke of Clarence and Richard III of England. Percy himself was second cousin to (among others) Elizabeth of York, Edward V of England, Richard, Duke of York, Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle, Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, Edward, Earl of Warwick and Edward of Middleham. Both Perkin Warbeck and Lambert Simnel were his alleged second cousins. Percy was however the only one of the Percy family to appear to take the side of the House of York during the Wars of the Roses.

Related Topics:
Edward IV of England - Margaret of Burgundy - George, Duke of Clarence - Richard III of England - Elizabeth of York - Edward V of England - Richard, Duke of York - Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle - Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury - Edward, Earl of Warwick - Edward of Middleham - Perkin Warbeck - Lambert Simnel - House of York - Wars of the Roses

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His father was loyal to the House of Lancaster. He was killed in the Battle of Towton on 29 March, 1461. The earldom of Northumberland was fofeited by the victorious Yorkists. The adolescent Percy was imprisoned in the Fleet Prison. He was transported to the Tower of London in 1464.

Related Topics:
House of Lancaster - Battle of Towton - 29 March - 1461 - Adolescent - Fleet Prison - Tower of London - 1464

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In 1465, John Neville was named Earl of Northumberland in his place. Percy eventually swore fealty to Edward IV and was released in 1469. He petitioned for the return of his paternal titles and estates to him. He gained support by Edward IV himself. John Neville had to quit his title and was instead named Marquess of Montagu in 1470. However the restoration of said title to Percy was delayed by the Parliament of Engand until 1473.

Related Topics:
1465 - John Neville - Earl of Northumberland - 1469 - Marquess of Montagu - 1470 - Parliament of Engand - 1473

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For the following twelve years, Percy held many of the important government posts in Northern England which were traditional in his family. He commanded the Yorkist reserve at the Battle of Bosworth Field on August 22, 1485. Percy never committed his forces to the battle. His inactivity played an important part in the defeat and death of Richard III. Historians suspect him of treason in favor of victor Henry VII of England.

Related Topics:
Battle of Bosworth Field - August 22 - 1485 - Treason - Henry VII of England

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If so, then Henry himself was either unaware or not appreciative of his treasonous intentions. Percy was arrested along with Ralph Neville, 3rd Earl of Westmorland and Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk. He was imprisoned for several months but swore allegiance to the new King. Henry VII released him on terms of good behavior. Percy was allowed to retain his titles and lands as well as returning to his old posts.

Related Topics:
Ralph Neville, 3rd Earl of Westmorland - Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk

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In April, 1489, Percy held temporary residence in his estates of Yorkshire. Henry VII had recently allied himself to Anne of Brittany against Charles VIII of France. Taxes rose to finance the military action. Sir John Egremont of Yorkshire led a riot in protestation of the high taxation. Percy was targeted by the rioters and killed on 28 April.

Related Topics:
April - 1489 - Yorkshire - Anne of Brittany - Charles VIII of France - Tax - Riot

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Yorkshire was formerly a stronghold of support of Richard III. Percy was presumably killed in vengeance for Richard.

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