Hugh Percy, 10th Duke of Northumberland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Northumberland
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Northumberland in 1980 by Allan Warren
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| Lord Steward of the Household | |
| In office 2 January 1973 – 11 October 1988 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | The Viscount Cobham |
| Succeeded by | The Viscount Ridley |
| Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland | |
| In office 18 May 1956 – 3 January 1984 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | The Viscount Allendale |
| Succeeded by | The Viscount Ridley |
| Chancellor of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne | |
| In office 1963–1988 |
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| Preceded by | New university |
| Succeeded by | The Viscount Ridley |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Hugh Algernon Percy
6 April 1914 |
| Died | 11 October 1988 (aged 74) Syon House, London, United Kingdom |
| Resting place | Northumberland Vault, Westminster Abbey |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse |
Lady Elizabeth Montagu Douglas Scott
(m. 1946) |
| Children | 7; including Henry Percy, 11th Duke of Northumberland, and Ralph Percy, 12th Duke of Northumberland |
| Parents | Alan Percy, 8th Duke of Northumberland Lady Helen Gordon-Lennox |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch/service |  British Army |
| Years of service | 1936–1964 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Northumberland Hussars Royal Regiment of Artillery |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | See list |
Hugh Algernon Percy, 10th Duke of Northumberland (born April 6, 1914 – died October 11, 1988) was an important British noble, soldier, and landowner. He was known as Lord Hugh Percy until 1940. He became the Duke of Northumberland in 1940 after his older brother, the 9th Duke, died in World War II.
During World War II, he served as a Captain in the British Army. After the war, he held several important public roles. He was the Lord Steward for Queen Elizabeth II from 1973 until his death. He also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland and was the first Chancellor of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Hugh Algernon Percy was born on April 6, 1914. His father was Alan, the 8th Duke of Northumberland. His mother was Lady Helen Gordon-Lennox. She was the daughter of the 7th Duke of Richmond.
When Hugh was born, he was the younger son of an Earl. This meant he was called Lord Hugh Percy. He had several siblings, including his older brother, George, the 9th Duke of Northumberland.
Hugh went to school at Eton College and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford University.
His Career and Public Service
Hugh Percy began his military career on April 15, 1936, as a Second Lieutenant in the Northumberland Hussars. He became the 10th Duke of Northumberland on May 21, 1940. This happened after his older brother was killed in action in Flanders, Belgium, during World War II.
In 1940, he joined the Royal Regiment of Artillery as a Lieutenant. He fought in battles in Crete and during the North African campaign. By 1947, he was a Captain and returned to the Northumberland Hussars.
After his brother's death, he became a member of the House of Lords. He was a Conservative member. He also took over managing his family's large estates. These included Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, Albury Park in Surrey, and Syon House in London.
From June 1 to October 23, 1945, he served as a Lord in Waiting to King George VI. This role meant he was a junior government official.
In 1963, the University of Newcastle upon Tyne became an independent university. The Duke was chosen as its first Chancellor. He held this important position until he died. As Chancellor, he even gave an honorary degree to Martin Luther King Jr. in 1967. He also gave many books and artworks to the university's library.
He was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland on May 18, 1956. This was a role his father and many ancestors had held before him. He served in this position until 1984. On January 2, 1973, the Duke became the Lord Steward of the Household for Queen Elizabeth II. This was a very senior role in the Royal Households of the United Kingdom.
In 1970, he was elected as a member of the Royal Society. He also served on various councils and committees, including the Agricultural Research Council. He was also president of the Royal Agricultural Society of England twice.
Marriage and Family Life
On June 12, 1946, Hugh Percy married Lady Elizabeth Diana Montagu Douglas Scott. She was the daughter of the 8th Duke of Buccleuch. Their wedding took place at Westminster Abbey.
Their marriage was special because it brought together the Percy and Douglas families. These families had been rivals for hundreds of years. Important guests at their wedding included King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary, and Princess Elizabeth.
The Duke and Duchess had seven children:
- Lady Caroline Mary Percy (born 1947).
- Lady Victoria Lucy Diana Percy (born 1949).
- Lady Julia Helen Percy (born 1950).
- Henry Alan Walter Richard Percy, 11th Duke of Northumberland (1953–1995). He became the 11th Duke after his father died.
- Ralph George Algernon Percy, 12th Duke of Northumberland (born 1956). He became the 12th Duke after his brother Henry died.
- Lady Louise Percy (1962). She died very young.
- Lord James William Eustace Percy (born 1965).
Later Life and Passing
The Duke passed away from a heart attack at his home in London, Syon House, on October 11, 1988. He was 74 years old.
His eldest son, Henry, became the 11th Duke of Northumberland. The Duke's ashes were buried in the Northumberland Vault at Westminster Abbey.
Honours and Awards
The Duke received many honours for his service:
- April 24, 1959: He was made a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. This is a very high honour.
- June 13, 1981: He became a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
- July 9, 1957: He was made a Knight of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.
- November 17, 1961: He received the Territorial Decoration (TD).
Other Important Appointments
- 1970: He became a Fellow of the Royal Society.
- 1973: He was appointed a member of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council.
Military Ranks Held
- April 15, 1936: Second Lieutenant, Northumberland Hussars
- 1940: Lieutenant, Royal Regiment of Artillery
- June 20, 1944: Captain, Royal Regiment of Artillery
- August 28, 1947: Captain, Northumberland Hussars
Honorary Military Roles
He also held several honorary military positions, including:
- Honorary Colonel of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers (1948–1968).
- Honorary Colonel of the 6th (Volunteer) Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (1975–1988).
