Henry Percy, 11th Duke of Northumberland
Henry Percy, 11th Duke of Northumberland, was born on May 4, 1912, in London, England. He was the eldest son of Alan Percy, the 10th Duke of Northumberland, and Lady Helen Gordon-Lennox. After his education at Eton College, Henry Percy joined the territorial army in 1932, and later the British Army, serving overseas in World War II. In 1952, after the death of his father, he succeeded to the dukedom and inherited the family estate, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. As Duke of Northumberland, Henry Percy was responsible for the management of the estate, which included several properties and businesses. He also served as High Sheriff of Northumberland from 1956 to 1957 and was a member of the House of Lords until 1999. Henry Percy was married twice. His first marriage to Lady Elizabeth Montagu, with whom he had four children, ended in divorce in 1967. He then married Jane Richard, with whom he had one daughter. The Duke of Northumberland was known for his love of gardening and horticulture, and he created a large garden at Alnwick Castle that was open to the public. He also supported charitable causes, particularly the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Royal Air Forces Association. Henry Percy died on June 11, 1988, at the age of 76, and was succeeded as Duke of Northumberland by his son, Hugh Percy.
