Ancestors of Captain Arthur Fenner

John at Fenne

John at Fenne (atte Venne) was born ca. 1414 in or near Worth, Sussex, son of Richard atte Fenne (who m unknown in the 14th year of Henry IV, or 1413), grandson of Gilbert atte Fenne of Worth (who m unknown in the 40th year of Edward III, or 1367), great-grandson of John atte Fenne. His lineage was preserved in a codex in the British Library, Harley MS 1562, recorded in or around 1530 during a survey of prominent land owners in Sussex.

Researcher Jen Blyth indicated John had acquired land in Worth from William and Agnes Mortymer in 1400, but was almost certainly an uncle or cousin. Property belonging to John was described in the Court Books of South Malling Lindfield in 1428. In 1438, he owned a tenement at Burley, Sussex. According to the British Library codex, John was married in the 26th year of Henry VI (1448); this must have been a second marriage, because it also says his grandson Thomas married 13 years later, in the 39th year of Henry VI. In 1467, he or his son John appeared in the Court of Common Pleas as John Vennour, gentleman of Crawley. On 21 Nov. 1470, he or his son John was named as a debtor to Henry Merlond and John Hert. He died after 1474.

1. Thomas [b ca. 1430–35] of Crawley Down.

2. Roger [b ca. 1430–35] of Crawley Down.

3. John [b ca. 1438] of Worth.