William de Percy

The presence of William de Percy at Senlac, although in question does not remain an impossibility. If he returned to Normandy after the Conquest along with Humphrey de Tilleul, Hugh de Grentemesnil and others, then he could have returned in 1067 with his sworn brother-in-arms Hugh d'Avranches. Hugh, on being made Earl of Chester transferred the lordship of Whitby upon William de Percy. I think it is unlikely that these domains would have been bestowed upon him had he not distinguished himself in some way at the Battle of Senlac, in the company of the Conqueror in 1066.

William's great grandson distinguished himself in the Battle of the Standard in 1138 and his father was in the service of Rollo. William's brother Serlo became the first Abbot of Whitby.

William de Percy bestowed the towns of Seaxby and Everley upon his esquire Ralph de Everley, causing his brother Serlo to make a complaint to William Rufus. Although Rufus ordered restitution to be made, Serlo left Whitby and established himself in Northfield.

Percy married Emma de Port and in 1096 joined the first crusade in company with Robert Court-heuse. William died at Montjoye near Jerusalem and his body was brought back to England and burried in the chapter house at Whitby.