"Why didn't Percy fight at Bosworth? " Topic

Much to the chagrin of every scenario designer, what kept the preeminent Lord from choosing a side (or was inaction choice enough?).

U.K.

He may never have had a chance to choose. Depending on how you envision the battlefield, the terrain might have gotten in his way. Or Richard might have been dead before he could get in position.

This is why Bosworth tops my list for battles to visit in a time machine. I can fill a shelf with guesswork, but almost the only thing we know is who some of the casualties were.

The Percies were in a similar situation to the royal army facing William of Orange…which side to support. The Percies had been ardent Lancastrians before the victory of Edward IV, so may not have been enthusiastic at facing the Tudors. Staying out of the fight meant whoever won, the Percies would keep their wardenship in Northumberland.

"The North knows no Prince but a Percy", and therein lies the rub. Percy didn't appreciate Richard's northern involvement & the introduction of the Council of the North and curtailing Percy power.
When Percy was butchered 4 years later, his own household retainers stood by and let it happen. The North certainly didn't forgive Percy for his inaction, and he doesn't appear to be a man that inspired loyalty.
Maybe he also remembered his father and all of his uncles who fell fighting for Lancaster, and so it was easier to stand by & let a Yorkist lose?