Richard de Percy facts for kids
Sir Richard de Percy (born around 1170, died 1244) was an important noble from northern England. He was known as the 5th Baron Percy. Richard de Percy played a big part in a major event called the First Barons' War. He was also one of the powerful barons who helped make sure the Magna Carta was followed.
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Who Was Richard de Percy?
Richard de Percy was a very powerful noble, sometimes called a magnate, in northern England during the 12th and 13th centuries. He inherited his title and lands, becoming the 5th Baron Percy. His family was very important in English history.
Family Background
Richard de Percy was the son of Agnes de Perci. She was the Baroness Percy in her own right, meaning she inherited the Percy family's lands and titles. Her husband was Joscelin of Louvain (1121–1180). Joscelin was known as "brother of the queen" because his sister, Adeliza of Louvain, was the second wife of King Henry I. The famous House of Percy family comes from this marriage. Joscelin took the name Percy, which continued through their family line.
Role in Magna Carta
Richard de Percy was one of the twenty-five barons chosen to make sure the Magna Carta was obeyed. The Magna Carta was a very important document signed in 1215. It limited the power of the king and protected the rights of his subjects. Richard's role was to help enforce these new rules.
Conflict and Reconciliation
Richard de Percy, along with his nephew William (who later became the 6th Baron Percy), joined other lords in fighting against King John. Because of this, King John took away Richard's lands. This conflict was part of the First Barons' War. When King John died, Richard de Percy quickly made peace with the new king, King Henry III. As a result, his lands were given back to him.
Later Life and Legacy
Baron Percy lived until 1244. He was buried at Whitby Abbey, a famous monastery in England. His life shows the challenges and changes in power during medieval England, especially the struggles between kings and their powerful nobles.
