Upon the other hand, they not unfrequently took a share in risings
against the Kings of England; and their estates were confiscated, for a
time, by their taking a leading part in the action against Piers
Gaveston, the royal favourite.
It was in the reign of Henry the Second that the Percy of the time
obtained, by purchase, the Barony of Alnwick; which from that date
became the chief seat of the family. The present earl was the first of
the rank, having been created by Richard the Second. He was one of the
most powerful nobles in England, and it was at his invitation that
Henry of Lancaster had come over from France, and had been placed on
the throne by the Percys, and some other of the northern nobles; and,
as a reward for his service, the earl was created High Constable of
England.
Chapter 3: At Alnwick.
"You are rarely changed, Oswald," his uncle said, as the lad entered
his apartment. "'Tis three years since I last saw you, and you have
shot up nigh a head, since then. I should not have known you, had I met
you in the street; but as I was expecting you, it is easy to recall
your features. I made sure that you would come; for, although your
father was at first averse to my offer, I soon found that your mother
was on my side, and I know that, in the long run, my brother generally
gives in to her wishes; and I was sure that, as you were a lad of
spirit, you would be glad to try a flight from home.
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