William Percy (bishop)

William Percy (died 29 April 1419) was an English prelate who served as Bishop of Carlisle from 1400 to 1419.

Percy was a member of the prominent Percy family, a younger son of Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland, and Margaret Neville. His familial connections significantly aided his career within the Church. He was appointed Archdeacon of Richmond in 1394 and held several prebends, including those at York, Salisbury, and Lincoln.

In 1400, he was nominated as Bishop of Carlisle, receiving papal provision the same year. His tenure as Bishop coincided with periods of political unrest in the north of England, largely influenced by the actions of his elder brother, Henry "Hotspur" Percy, and the Percy family's rebellions against King Henry IV. The diocese of Carlisle, bordering Scotland, was particularly vulnerable to the repercussions of these conflicts.

While details of Percy's administration of the diocese are limited, it's likely that he faced challenges related to border security and maintaining stability within the region. He is known to have been involved in negotiations with the Scots.

William Percy died on 29 April 1419 and was buried in York Minster. He left behind a reputation as a figure whose ecclesiastical career benefited significantly from his noble lineage, and whose episcopate was shaped by the turbulent political landscape of his time.