Henry Percy, 8th Earl of Northumberland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Henry Percy
Earl of Northumberland
Born	1532 Newburn, Kingdom of England
Died	21 June 1585 (aged 52–53)
Noble family	Percy
Spouse(s)	Katherine Neville
Issue	Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland Thomas Percy William Percy Charles Percy Lucy Percy Richard Percy Joscelyne Percy Anne Percy Alan Percy Eleanor Percy George Percy
Father	Sir Thomas Percy
Mother	Eleanor Harbottle

Henry Percy, 8th Earl of Northumberland, was an important English nobleman who lived from 1532 to 1585. He was involved in many big events during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He was also known as the 2nd Baron Percy.

Early Life and Family

Henry Percy was born around 1532 in a place called Newburn Manor in Northumberland, England. He was the second son of Sir Thomas Percy. His mother was Eleanor Harbottle. Sadly, his father was executed in 1537. This happened because his father was involved in a big protest called the Pilgrimage of Grace.

A Life of Service and Challenges

Serving the Crown

Henry grew up with his older brother, Thomas Percy, 7th Earl of Northumberland. As a young man, Henry took part in battles near the border of England. When Queen Mary became queen, he was made the governor of Tynemouth Castle.

In 1554, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Morpeth. This meant he represented the people of that area in the government. He was made a knight in 1557. He also became a deputy warden, helping to protect the borders.

Under Queen Elizabeth I

When Queen Elizabeth became queen, Henry Percy kept his important jobs. He was briefly moved to be captain of Norham Castle. But in 1561, he was reappointed to Tynemouth Castle.

In 1560, when war started in Scotland, Henry was given command of a group of light horse soldiers. These soldiers were known for their special armor and pistols. Henry showed great bravery during the Siege of Leith in April 1560. The French commander was so impressed that he wanted to surrender his sword to Henry, not to the main commander.

Henry Percy had some sympathy for the Protestant religion. In 1561, he was asked to report on the religious beliefs in Scottish churches. He also helped to make sure clergy in the north of England took an important oath to the Queen.

Marriage and Loyalty

At the end of 1561, Henry's position in the north became stronger. He married Katherine Neville. She was the daughter of an important nobleman, John Neville, 4th Baron Latimer. In 1562, Henry was appointed Sheriff of Northumberland. This was another important local role.

During a big rebellion called the Rising of the North in 1569, Henry's older brother was a main leader. However, Henry Percy stayed loyal to the Queen's government. He joined the royal forces and fought against the rebels. Queen Elizabeth was very pleased with his loyalty. She promised him good jobs and support. When his brother was captured, Henry even wrote to him, telling him to admit his mistakes and ask for the Queen's forgiveness.

In 1571, Henry was elected as a Member of Parliament for Northumberland. After his brother was executed in 1572, Queen Elizabeth allowed Henry to become the 8th Earl of Northumberland.

Imprisonment and Release

Mary, Queen of Scots, was held prisoner at Tutbury. Henry Percy started to communicate with her agent in 1571. He offered to help her escape. Because of this, Henry was arrested in London in November 1571 and sent to the Tower of London.

In February 1572, he wrote to the Queen, asking to be released. After being held for 18 months, he was put on trial for treason. He then asked for the Queen's mercy. He was fined a large sum of money and told to stay at his house in Petworth. In July 1573, he was allowed to come to London and was soon set free.

Later Years and Death

In 1576, Henry Percy took his seat in the House of Lords for the first time. He continued to be involved in politics. In 1582, he met with a French agent and seemed to support a plan to free Queen Mary. This plan was called Throckmorton's plot.

Because of this, Henry Percy was arrested again in late 1582 and sent to the Tower of London for a second time. He was held for only a few weeks, and no legal action was taken against him. However, he lost his job as governor of Tynemouth Castle.

He still hoped to help Queen Mary escape. In September 1583, he invited her agents to Petworth to discuss the plan. They talked about how French troops could help. Henry offered advice on where the troops could land. One person present at the meeting, William Shelley, was later arrested. He told authorities that Henry's goal was not only to free Queen Mary but also to gain more freedom for Roman Catholics in England.

In December 1584, Henry Percy was sent to the Tower for a third time. He said he was innocent and wanted an investigation. Six months later, on June 21, 1585, he was found dead in his cell. He was buried in the church of St. Peter ad Vincula, which is inside the Tower.

Family

By January 25, 1562, Henry Percy had married Lady Katherine Neville. She was the daughter of John Nevill, 4th Baron Latimer. They had many children together:

• Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland (1564–1632)
• Thomas Percy
• William Percy, who was a poet and playwright
• Sir Charles Percy
• Lucy Percy
• Richard Percy
• Sir Joscelyne Percy
• Anne Percy
• Sir Alan Percy (died 1613)
• Eleanor Percy (1583–1650)
• Sir George Percy (1580–1632)

His wife, Katherine, was buried in St Paul's Chapel inside Westminster Abbey.