Henry Percy, 4th Earl of Northumberland

Henry Percy was the only son of Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Northumberland who was killed in 1461. On his father's attainder, Edward IV (r. 1461-1470, 1471-1483) committed him to safe keeping, and three years later conferred the forfeited earldom of Northumberland on John Neville, lord Montagu. Until 1469 Percy was confined in prison.

Percy was released from prison after he swore fealty to Edward IV in 1469. In the same year Percy was restored to the earldom of Northumberland. For the rest of Edward IV’s reign Percy remained loyal to him. Under the reign of Richard III (1483-1485) Percy retained his titles and command as warden of the marches and captain of Berwick granted to him under Edward IV. He was also granted the office of great chamberlain of England (30 Nov. 1483), together with the lordship of Holderness.

By the time of his death Percy was worth about £30,000, about 0.83% of net national income when it stood at £3.6m. This would be worth £9.2bn in 2010.