Henry Percy, 6th Earl of Northumberland
Henry Percy, 6th Earl of Northumberland (
1502–
1537), was the son of
Henry Algernon Percy, 5th Earl of Northumberland.
Henry, Lord Percy became betrothed to
Anne Boleyn, the future second queen of
Henry VIII probably in the spring of 1523, when he was page to
Cardinal Wolsey. On hearing the news, Lord Percy was scolded before his servants by the Cardinal, since permission for the marriage had not been sought from his father nor the king, who also had an interest due to the importance of the Northumberland earldom. His father refused permission for the marriage, and he later went on to marry Lady Mary Talbot (daughter of
George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury), an unhappy marriage without issue. After spending his inheritance lavishly and transferring various estates to friends, the remainder of his estates went to the crown on his death. He was also a member of the jury that convicted Queen Anne of adultery. The charges are generally believed to have been fabricated by the queen's enemies. Henry himself fainted at the trial and had to be carried out.
Preceded by: Henry Percy | Earl of Northumberland 1527–1537 | Followed by: Extinct |