John Hickling was born in 1500 in Greens Norton, Northamptonshire, England, a period when England was undergoing significant social and political changes. His lineage was notable; he was the son of John Hickling, Esquire of Stoney Stratford, and Isabel, the daughter and heiress of Walter Durant, Esquire of Calverton, Buckinghamshire. This ancestry positioned John within the English gentry, a class of landowners who played a vital role in the rural communities during the Tudor period.

Life in 16th century England, especially for someone of John’s status, involved managing lands and possibly participating in local governance. The Tudor period was marked by religious and political upheavals, including the Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England under Henry VIII. As a member of the gentry, John would have been expected to navigate these changes while maintaining his family’s estate and status.

John married Christian Cawnfield, the daughter of John Camfield, Esquire of London. Their union was likely a strategic alliance, common among the gentry to consolidate wealth and influence. Together, they had three sons, William, Robert, and John, and three daughters, Elizabeth, Jane, and Ursula. His children’s marriages further indicate the family’s social standing, with ties to other notable families in London and Northamptonshire.

During John’s lifetime, England was predominantly agrarian, with society structured in a rigid class system. As a landowner, John would have been responsible for overseeing agricultural production and managing tenant farmers. However, the early 16th century was also a time of economic transition, with the beginnings of capitalism and changes in land ownership patterns, such as the enclosure movement. These shifts could have impacted John’s management of his lands and his relations with tenants.

The Hickling family’s story also reflects the broader historical context of Tudor England. This era saw the rise of the Tudor dynasty, the English Renaissance, and the exploration and colonization efforts that would later lead to the British Empire. However, it was also a time of social strife, with periodic uprisings like the Pilgrimage of Grace, reflecting discontent with religious and economic changes.

John Hickling passed away on November 30, 1558, in Greens Norton, the town of his birth. His burial at St Bartholomew Churchyard in Greens Norton signifies his family’s long-standing ties to the area and their status within the local community. His wife, Christian, had predeceased him in 1556. The inscription on their tomb not only commemorates their lives but also serves as a testament to the Hickling family’s enduring legacy in Northamptonshire.

In sum, John Hickling’s life story offers a glimpse into the world of the English gentry during a transformative period in the country’s history. His experiences reflect the broader socio-economic and political landscape of Tudor England, showcasing the challenges and responsibilities faced by landowning families during this era.