Sir Thomas de Percy, with whom Chaucer was sent to Flanders in 1377, was
brother of Henry de Percy, count of Northumberland. [Footnote: Rymer IV,
51.] He was with the Black Prince at Bergerath, 44 Edward III.
[Footnote: Dugdale 1, 285.] In 1378 a grant by Edward III to Thomas de
Percy, "whom the King has retained to stay with him," of 100m. yearly
was confirmed. [Footnote: Cal. Pat. Roll,.108.] In that year and at many
times subsequent he was admiral of the north. [Footnote: idem, p. 327.]
In 1378 he was appointed with others to treat with the King of Scotland,
[Footnote: Rymer IV, 51.] in 1379 to treat with the Duke of Brittany.
[Footnote: Rymer old. ed. VII, 223.] From 1381 on many pardons were
granted at his request. In 1381 he was appointed custodian of the Castle
of Brest. In 1383 he was on a commission to treat with Flanders and
France. [Footnote: idem, 412.] In 1386 he was sub-chamberlain in the
King's household (literally "south chamberlain"). [Footnote: idem, 675]
By 1392 he was chamberlain of the household. [Footnote: idem, 721.] In
1398 he was made Earl of Worcester [Footnote: Dugdale I, 285.] and
appointed with John of Gaunt on a commission for redressing violations
of the truce. In 1399 he was appointed executor of the Duchess of
Gloucester's will. He was beheaded in 1403 because of his connexion with
the rising of Hotspur. He was a Knight of the Garter.