WORCESTER, THOMAS PERCY, EARL OF

born c. 1344 died July 23, 1403 English noble, brother of Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland, and uncle of Sir Henry Percy, called Hotspur, and a party to their rebellions against Henry IV of England. Thomas Percy served with distinction in France during the reign of Edward III; he also held an official position on the Scottish borders, and under Richard II he was the admiral of a fleet. He deserted Richard II in 1399 and was employed and trusted by Henry IV, but in 1403 he joined the other Percys in their revolt; he was taken prisoner at the Battle of Shrewsbury (July 21, 1403) and subsequently beheaded, the earldom becoming extinct.