William Norreys was the eldest son of John Norreys and his first wife Lady Alice Merbrook. William was probably born at Yattendon Castle in about 1441.

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.