He served in France under the Earl of Arundel in March 1344 and in August 1346 was at the Battle of Crécy.

In July 1352 he was made joint warden of the marches towards Scotland, and in September 1355 keeper of Roxburgh Castle and sheriff of Northumberland for two years.

In July 1356 he was once again joint warden of the marches and then took part in the negotiations that led to the treaty of Berwick of October 1357.

He participated in Edward III's military efforts in France and in September 1355 was marshal of the royal army at Calais.

He was succeeded by his eldest son who became Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland.