Biography of Thomas Percy 1504-1537

Paternal Family Tree: Reginar aka Percy

Maternal Family Tree: Margaret Pipard Baroness Lisle 1323-1375

Before 1502 [his father] Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland (age 23) and [his mother] Katherine Spencer Countess Northumberland (age 24) were married. She by marriage Countess of Northumberland. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Robert Spencer of Spencer Combe (age 66) and [his grandmother] Eleanor Beaufort Countess Ormonde. He the son of [his grandfather] Henry Percy 4th Earl of Northumberland and [his grandmother] Maud Herbert Countess Northumberland. They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

Around 1504 Thomas Percy was born to Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland (age 25) and Katherine Spencer Countess Northumberland (age 27) at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland [Map].

In or before 1528 Thomas Percy (age 23) and Eleanor Harbottle (age 23) were married. He the son of Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland and Katherine Spencer Countess Northumberland (age 50). They were third cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

In 1528 [his son] Thomas Percy 7th Earl of Northumberland was born to Thomas Percy (age 24) and [his wife] Eleanor Harbottle (age 24).

In 1532 [his daughter] Mary Percy was born to Thomas Percy (age 28) and [his wife] Eleanor Harbottle (age 28).

In 1532 [his son] Henry Percy 8th Earl of Northumberland was born to Thomas Percy (age 28) and [his wife] Eleanor Harbottle (age 28).

In 1534 [his son] Catherine Percy was born to Thomas Percy (age 30) and [his wife] Eleanor Harbottle (age 30).

Bigod's Rebellion

Hall's Chronicle 1537. Dec 1536. Also in the latter end of this yere, the lord Darcy (age 69), Aske (age 36), Sir Robert constable (age 58), Sir Jhon Bulmer and his wyfe (age 25), Sir Thomas Percie (age 32) brother to the [his brother] Erle of Northumberland (age 34), Syr Stephen Hamelton, Nicholas Tempest (age 56) Esquire, William Lumley, son to the lord Lumley (age 44) began again to conspire, although they before had every one of them their pardons, and now they were all taken and brought to the Tower of London [Map].

On 02 Jun 1537 Thomas Percy (age 33), Francis Bigod (age 29), and John Bulmer and Ralph Bulmer were hanged at Tyburn [Map].

Hall's Chronicle 1537. 02 Jun 1537 In June the lord Darcy (age 70) and the lord Hosey [Map] were arraigned at Westminster before the Marques of Exceter (age 41), then High Steward of England, and they were both found guilty and had their judgement as in cases of high treason.

After 02 Jun 1537. Shortly after were also arraigned Sir Robert Constable (age 59), Sir Thomas Percy (deceased), Sir Fraunces Bygod (deceased), Sir Stephin Hamelton, Sir Jhon Bulmer and his wife (deceased), which some reported was not his wife but his paramour, also William Lumley, Nicholas Tempest (age 57), and the Abbots of Jerney (deceased) and Rivers, and Robert Aske (age 37), and all found guilty of high treason, and all put to death at Tiborne [Map], saving Sir Robert Constable, which was hanged in chains on Beverley gate at Hull and Aske was also hanged in chains in Yorke on a Tower, and Sir John Bulmer’s Paramour, was burned in Smithfclde [Map] in London. And in the latter end of June, was the Lord Darcy beheaded at Tower Hill [Map], and shortly after was the Lord Hosey beheaded at Lyncolne [Map].

Chronicle of Greyfriars. 02 Jun 1537. Also the 2nd day of June was drawn from the Tower of London to Tyborne Sir Thomas Percy (age 33), sir Frances Bigod (age 29), George Lumley heir to the Lord Lumley (age 45), William Wood prior of Bridlington, Adam Sedbar (age 35) abbott of Jervaulx [Map], and they were hanged, headed, and quartered, save sir Thomas Percy for he was but headed and was buried at the Cross Friars [Map], and the quarters of all the residee was buried at the Gray Friars in the cloister on the North side in the pamet [pavement?].

On 02 Jun 1537 [his brother] Henry Percy 6th Earl of Northumberland (age 35) died. His brother Thomas Percy (age 33) should have succeeded but he had been attainted.

After 02 Jun 1537 Richard Holland of Denton in Lancashire and [his former wife] Eleanor Harbottle (age 33) were married. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

In 1567 [his former wife] Eleanor Harbottle (age 63) died.

[his son] Joan Percy was born to Thomas Percy and Eleanor Harbottle.

[his son] Richard Percy was born to Thomas Percy and Eleanor Harbottle.

Spanish Chronicle Chapter 26. There was much jealousy of him, and many murmured to see him so smart and lavish. One of the Queen's household had some words with him, and Mark threatened him, which offended the gentleman very much; and Mark, being always suspicious of him, conveyed his suspicions to the Queen, who sent for the gentleman and said to him, "Thomas Percy," for that was his name, "I desire that there shall be no quarrelling with Mark, and if any annoyance is caused him I shall be very angry." Percy answered, "Madam, you are aware that I have served you for many years, and I will not be ill-used by one who only came yesterday." But the Queen ordered them to be good friends, and Percy could easily see that she bore great love for Mark; so he must needs go to Secretary Cromwell, and said to him, "I wish to speak to you." "Say what thou wishest, Percy," answered the Secretary, and then Percy said, "Your worship will know that it is hardly three months since Mark came to Court, and that he only has one hundred pounds salary from the King, of which he has only received a third, and he has just bought three horses that have cost him over five hundred ducats, as well as very rich arms and fine liveries for his servants for the day of the ridings, such as no gentleman at Court has been able to do, and many are wondering where he has got the money. I can tell you more, for I know that on many occasions he has been in the Queen's chamber, and your worship should look to it." Cromwell answered him, "Hold thy tongue, Percy, and keep this secret; when the King comes back I shall learn the truth; meanwhile keep your eyes open and see if you note any signs, and who speaks to Mark."

Spanish Chronicle Chapter 26. Percy did not forget it; and one night before the King returned the old woman called Mark whilst the ladies were dancing, and Percy was on the look-out, but Mark, seeing him watching, was clever enough to return to the dance instead of going with the old woman, so Percy discovered nothing that night. The next morning the Queen sent for Mark, and as soon as Percy knew that he was in the chamber he went to Secretary Cromwell and told him what he had seen the night before, and how he was now playing in the Queen's chamber. Cromwell said, "Hold thy tongue for the present, Percy; the King is coming tomorrow, and the next day is May-day, when the jousts will be held, and I will find out a way to discover the truth."¹

Note 1. The writer, all through the incident, makes Mark Smeaton the principal figure, and there is no doubt that his account is an accurate reproduction of the popular impressions current in London at the time. I have not met elsewhere with so minute a relation of the circumstances of the miserable affair. How true or how false the allegations may have been must be now for ever surmise alone, but it is known that the so-called confession was wrung from the poor lad, Mark Smeaton, on a positive promise of pardon, and his subsequent execution was a convenient way of closing his mouth for ever against retractation or recantation. It is uncertain whether Sir Thomas Percy, who was beheaded in 1537, is referred to, or his brother [his brother] Henry, Earl of Northumberland, whose betrothal to Anne before her marriage, and his continued love for her, brought his head into great danger, and whose fainting with emotion in court during the trial cast renewed suspicion upon him. If Northumberland IS referred to, it might well be that, still in love, though hopelessly, with Anne, he would be madly jealous of a low upstart Mark Smeaton, whom he suspected of receiving the favours of the Queen.

[his son] Guiscard Percy was born to Thomas Percy and Eleanor Harbottle.

Ancestors of Thomas Percy 1504-1537

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Percy 1st Earl of Northumberland 2 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry "Hotspur" Percy 3 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Neville 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Percy 2nd Earl of Northumberland 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Mortimer 3rd Earl March, Earl Ulster 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Mortimer Baroness Camoys Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Philippa Plantagenet Countess March 5th Countess Ulster Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Neville 3rd Baron Neville of Raby 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Maud Percy Baroness Neville Raby 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Neville Countess Northumberland Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Beaufort Countess of Westmoreland Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Katherine Roet Duchess Lancaster

GrandFather: Henry Percy 4th Earl of Northumberland 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Poynings 3rd Baron Poynings

Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Poynings 4th Baron Poynings 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabel Grey Baroness Poynings 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Poynings 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Reginald Grey 3rd Baron Grey Ruthyn 5 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Grey Baroness Poynings 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Ros Baroness Grey Ruthyn 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Eleanor Poynings Countess Northumberland 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Rich Berkeley 8th and 3rd Baron Berkeley 3 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Berkeley 4 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Katherine Clivedon Baroness Berkeley

Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Bettershorne

Father: Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: William ap Thomas "Blue Knight of Gwent" Herbert

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke

Great x 4 Grandfather: Llewellyn Brecon

Great x 3 Grandfather: Dafydd Gam Brecon

Great x 2 Grandmother: Gwladys ferch Dafydd Gam "Star of Abergavenny" Brecon

GrandMother: Maud Herbert Countess Northumberland 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 5 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 6 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Crophull 5 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Agnes Crophull 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Devereux 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Merbury

Thomas Percy 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

GrandFather: Robert Spencer of Spencer Combe

Mother: Katherine Spencer Countess Northumberland 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: King Edward III of England Son of King Edward II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Philippa of Hainault Queen Consort England 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Giles "Payne" Roet

Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Roet Duchess Lancaster

Great x 1 Grandfather: Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Holland 1st Earl Kent 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan "Fair Maid of Kent" Princess Wales Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Fitzalan 10th Earl of Arundel 8th Earl of Surrey 5 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Fitzalan Countess Kent 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Plantagenet Countess Arundel and Surrey Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England

GrandMother: Eleanor Beaufort Countess Ormonde 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Beauchamp 11th Earl Warwick 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Beauchamp 12th Earl Warwick 5 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Katherine Mortimer Countess Warwick 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Beauchamp 13th Earl Warwick 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Ferrers 3rd Baron Ferrers of Groby 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Ferrers Countess Warwick 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Percy Baroness Ferrers Groby 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Maurice Berkeley 9th and 4th Baron Berkeley 4 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Berkeley 10th and 5th Baron Berkeley, Baron Lisle 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Despencer Baroness Berkeley Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Berkeley Countess Warwick 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Warin Lisle 2nd Baron Lisle 6 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Lisle Baroness Berkeley 3rd Baroness Lisle 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Pipard Baroness Lisle

Thomas Percy 1504-1537 appears on the following Descendants Family Trees:

Royal Ancestors of Thomas Percy 1504-1537

Royal Descendants of Thomas Percy 1504-1537

Ancestors of Thomas Percy 1504-1537