Richard Percy facts for kids

Sir Richard Percy was an English soldier who lived a long time ago, in the late 1500s and early 1600s. He was known for his military service in Ireland. He passed away in 1648.

Sir Richard Percy came from a very important and powerful family in England called the Percy family. His father was Henry Percy, 8th Earl of Northumberland, and his older brother was Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland. Being part of such a family meant he had connections and a role in society.

Serving in Ireland

During the 1590s, a big conflict known as Tyrone's Rebellion broke out in Ireland. This was a fight between Irish forces led by Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone and the English army. To help the English army, which was not very strong at the time, Sir Richard Percy gathered his own group of soldiers. Most of these soldiers came from Wales.

The Battle of the Yellow Ford

In 1598, Sir Richard Percy's soldiers were part of a major battle called the Battle of the Yellow Ford. They were marching to help a fort that was surrounded by enemy forces near the River Blackwater. Percy's group was at the front of the English army.

However, as they moved forward, they were suddenly attacked by Hugh O'Neill's rebel forces. It was a very tough fight, and Percy's soldiers faced heavy losses. The English army suffered a big defeat that day. The leader of the English forces in Ireland, Sir Henry Bagenal, was also killed during this battle.