William de Percy facts for kids
William I de Percy (who lived until about 1096-1099) was a powerful Norman nobleman. He was the first feudal baron (a major landowner who held land directly from the king) of Topcliffe in North Yorkshire. William arrived in England right after the Norman Conquest in 1066. He was known as Willame als gernons, which means "William with whiskers." He started the famous House of Percy, which later included the Earls and Dukes of Northumberland.
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Who Was William I de Percy?
William de Percy was a Norman, meaning he came from Normandy, a region in France. He arrived in England in 1067, just one year after William the Conqueror took over England. He might have been one of the Normans who had land in England before the Conquest but were forced out by King Harold.
His Nickname: "With Whiskers"
William's nickname, Als gernons (meaning "Bewhiskered"), was unusual for a Norman. Most Normans at that time were clean-shaven, while the English often wore beards. This might mean William adopted some English customs. Later, his family even used a version of this nickname, "Algernon," as a first name.
Where Did His Name Come From?
The name "Percy" came from a place called Percy, a small area of land (or fief) near Villedieu in Normandy. This could be either Villedieu-lès-Bailleul or Villedieu-les-Poêles today.
William's Land and Power
William de Percy became a very important landowner in England. The Domesday Book (a great survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror in 1086) shows that he owned many lands.
How He Gained More Land
After a rebellion in northern England, much land was given to Hugh d'Avranches, a powerful Norman lord. William de Percy received even more land from Hugh, adding to what he already held directly from the king. By 1086, William controlled 118 manors (large estates with a village and land) in places like Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, and more in Essex and Hampshire.
Building Castles and Abbeys
William used his wealth and power to build important structures. He built motte and bailey castles (early types of castles with a mound and a walled courtyard) at Spofforth and Topcliffe. Topcliffe became the main center of his feudal lands. He also supported the Benedictine monks and helped build the new Whitby Abbey on the ruins of an older Anglo-Saxon abbey.
Family Life
William de Percy married an English noblewoman named Emma de Porte. Her name might have come from her lands at Seamer in North Yorkshire.
William and Emma's Children
William and Emma had four sons:
- Alan de Percy (died around 1130-1135): He became the second feudal baron of Topcliffe. He married Emma de Ghent.
- Walter de Percy
- William de Percy: He became the second Abbot (leader) of Whitby Abbey.
- Richard de Percy
Death on a Crusade
William de Percy joined the First Crusade, a religious war to take back Jerusalem. He traveled with Robert Curthose, the Duke of Normandy. William died when he was almost in sight of Jerusalem. His body was buried in Antioch, but his heart was brought back to England and buried at Whitby Abbey.
William's Lasting Impact
William de Percy's family line through his sons eventually ended. However, the "Percy" name was brought back twice through female family members. This means the Percy family, like some other very old families, has been kept alive through history, even when the direct male line ended. Today, the Dukes of Northumberland are descendants of William de Percy.
