He was the fifth son of Henry Norris, 1st Baron Norreys of Rycote, and matriculated at Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1571, aged 15, graduating B.A. on 6 April 1576.
He was the fifth son of Henry Norris, 1st Baron Norreys of Rycote House and Wytham Abbey in Oxfordshire (the latter previously in Berkshire). He matriculated at Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1571, aged 15, graduating Bachelor of Arts on 6 April 1576.