The eldest son of Baron Norreys was Sir John Norris. He was born about 1547 to Sir Henry and his wife Margery. Sir John was considered the most accomplished soldier of his day and was a lifelong friend of Queen Elizabeth

Henry Norris was the son of Sir Henry Norris and Mary Fiennes, daughter of Thomas Fiennes. His mother had died before his father was executed so he was raised by his unclue Sir John Norreys, but details of his early life are obscure. In 1539 Henry VIII restored his patrimony and allowed his uncle to settle his estates on him when he died.