This usurpation of the throne by Henry was to cause future problems because he was not the heir presumptive to the crown. The best theoretical claim was that of Edmund de Mortimer, 5th Earl of March but, as a child of eight at the time, he was in no position to assert it.
Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland
Henry Percy was given the title of Marshall of England and created 1st Earl of Northumberland by Richard II in 1377.
In 1384 he married Maud de Lucy. This union between the two families made the Percies with all their lands and castles in Northumberland, Yorkshire, Cumberland, and Westmorland the most powerful and richest family in the north of England. Situated just below the border with Scotland they were responsible for defending the border against the Scots. |