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.

Sir Henry Norris was an English courtier who was Groom of the Stool in the privy chamber of Henry VIII. Apparently he as a good friend of Henry's but he was caught up in the "investigations" of the adultery of Queen Anne Boleyne that ultimately led to his execution as a traitor and adulterer.