John Fettiplace

As the younger son of Thomas Fettiplace, Esquire of East Shefford House, John had little chance of inheriting the land. However, due to the maternal family ties with the Portuguese Royal House, John managed to become a member of the Royal Household and Esquire to the Body of King Henry VII. It is known that he was entrusted by the King John to carry and present to the Portuguese King Alfonso V a very expensive gift consisting of "a certain gilt garter, ornamented with pearls and flowers" and the associated robes of the Order of the Garter.

Around that time, Fettiplace established himself as a wool merchant and member of the Drapers’ Guild in London. His business prospered since selling wool from Berkshire in Flanders was a very lucrative enterprise at that time. His fortune was additionally augmented by entering into advantageous marriage with the widow of Robert Horne. The manor of New Langport in Kent was in his ownership.