Common questions about Mary Percy, Countess of Northumberland

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was Mary Percy Countess of Northumberland born and who were her parents?

Lady Mary Talbot was born as the eleventh child of George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury. Her paternal grandparents were John Talbot, 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury, and Catherine Stafford, while her maternal grandparents were William Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings, and Katherine Neville.

Why did Mary Percy Countess of Northumberland petition for an annulment in 1532?

Mary Talbot petitioned for an annulment in June 1532 on the grounds that her husband had a pre-contract with Anne Boleyn. She argued that her marriage to Henry Percy was invalid because he had already promised his heart to another woman before their union.

When did Henry Percy 6th Earl of Northumberland die and how long was Mary Percy Countess of Northumberland a widow?

Henry Percy died on the 30th of June 1537 after succeeding his father as the 6th Earl on the 19th of May 1527. Mary Talbot remained a widow for over thirty years until she died on the 16th of April 1572.

What religious accusations were made against Mary Percy Countess of Northumberland during the Reformation?

Mary Talbot was suspected of being a Roman Catholic and a favorer of Mary Queen of Scots during the reign of Henry VIII. She was accused of hearing mass in her own house, a dangerous act that could have led to execution under the Protestant establishment.

Who were the parents of Henry Percy 6th Earl of Northumberland and what was the purpose of his marriage to Mary Talbot?

Henry Percy was the heir to the Earldom of Northumberland and the son of George Percy, 5th Earl of Northumberland. The marriage of Mary Talbot and Henry Percy was designed to secure the alliance between the Talbots of Shrewsbury and the Percys of Northumberland.