Thomas Percy, 1st Earl of Worcester facts for kids
Thomas Percy, Earl of Worcester (born 1343, died 1403) was an important English nobleman and naval leader from the Middle Ages. He is most famous for leading a rebellion against the king. He did this alongside his nephew, Henry Percy, also known as 'Harry Hotspur', and his older brother, Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland.
Who Was Thomas Percy?
Thomas Percy was the younger son of Henry de Percy, 3rd Baron Percy. His mother was Mary of Lancaster, who was a daughter of Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster. This means she was a descendant of Henry III of England. Thomas Percy was the younger brother of Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland. He never got married or had any children.
Thomas Percy's Career
Thomas Percy fought against France in the Hundred Years' War. This was a long conflict between England and France. After the war, he held several important jobs in parts of France that England controlled. He worked as an Ambassador, which means he represented England in another country. He also served as a Seneschal, a high-ranking official.
From 1384 to 1385, he was made Admiral of the North. This meant he was in charge of the navy in the northern seas. In the 1390s, he built Wressle Castle. In 1397, King Richard II gave him the title of Earl of Worcester. In 1399, he became the Admiral of the King's Fleet in Ireland.
Close to the King
Thomas Percy, along with his brother and nephew, helped Henry IV take the throne from King Richard II. It is said that Thomas Percy broke his staff of office, which was a symbol of his job as Richard II's steward. This action showed he was joining the revolt against the king.
Later, Thomas Percy and his family, the Percys, started their own rebellion against King Henry IV. Before the Battle of Shrewsbury, he talked with King Henry IV. However, he is said to have twisted King Henry's offer for peace. He did this to convince his nephew, Henry "Hotspur," to refuse the offer and fight the battle instead.
Capture and End
Thomas Percy was captured during the Battle of Shrewsbury. Two days later, on July 23, 1403, he was publicly executed in Shrewsbury. He was buried in St. Peter's Abbey in Shrewsbury, England. His head was later displayed in London on London Bridge.
In Stories
Thomas Percy appears as a character in William Shakespeare's play Henry IV, Part 1. In the play, he is shown as the main planner of the 1403 rebellion.
