Alan Percy facts for kids

Alan Percy

Alan Percy was an important English church leader and teacher who lived from about 1480 to 1560. He was the head, or 'Master,' of St John's College, Cambridge, a famous university college. Later, he became the Master of Trinity College, Arundel. He gave up this college to Henry VIII, the King of England, in 1545.

Early Life and Church Career

Alan Percy was the third son of a powerful family. His father was Henry Percy, 4th Earl of Northumberland. We don't know if Alan Percy went to a university. But he started his church career early.

He became a vicar, a type of church leader, in Giggleswick, Yorkshire, in 1508. He held this job for nine years. In 1515, he also became a rector, another church leader role, in London.

Leading St. John's College

In 1516, Alan Percy was chosen to be the second Master of the new St John's College, Cambridge. This was a very important position. He likely got the job because his family was well-known and influential.

However, he only stayed at St. John's College for two years. He left in 1518. The college gave him a small payment and some living rights. In 1520, King Henry VIII also gave him a house and garden in Stepney.

Later Church Roles

Alan Percy continued his career in the church. In 1521, he became the rector of St. Mary-at-Hill in London. He kept this job for the rest of his life. He also became a rector in Mulbarton, Norfolk, in 1526.

Later, between 1535 and 1539, he became the Master of the Holy Trinity church in Arundel. This church was a 'collegiate church,' meaning it had a group of priests living and working together.

The End of Arundel College

During King Henry VIII's time, many churches and monasteries were closed down. This was called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Arundel College might have been saved at first. It had even received new land from other closed religious places.

But eventually, the college was also closed. In 1545, Alan Percy and two other leaders of the college gave it up to King Henry VIII.

Final Years

In 1558, Alan Percy received another church position in Earsham, Norfolk. He had also been a rector in Stanley Regis, Gloucestershire, since 1551.

Alan Percy passed away in May 1560. He was buried in the old chapel of St. John's College, Cambridge. There was a special brass plate and a marble tomb to remember him.

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