John Norreys was the eldest son of Sir Edward Norreys of Yattendon Castle, Berkshire, who took part in the Battle of Stoke in 1487, and was there knighted, by his wife Frideswide, sister and heiress of Francis, Viscount Lovel. He succeeded to his grandfather's estates of Ockwells, Yattendon and elsewhere in 1507 but, ten years later, murdered one John Enhold of Nettlebed (Oxon) in unknown circumstances and had to surrender up Ockwells in return for a pardon obtained by his brother, Henry. He was also fined 1,000 marks, but was lucky to escape with his life. Their uncle, Sir Thomas Fettiplace, took on Ockwells, but John had lived at Yattendon since before his grandfather's death. He entertained King Henry VIII there in 1520.

Probably through the initial influence of his mother, Sir John had risen to high favour at Court. He was an Esquire of the Body to King Henry VIII and, afterwards, Usher of the Outer Chamber both to Kings Henry VIII and Edward VI. He was later promoted, as 'a rank papist', to be Chief Usher of the Privy Chamber to Queen Mary, but seems to have retired to Ashampstead upon the accession of Queen Elizabeth.

Sir John married Elizabeth, sister of Edmund, Lord Braye, but died on 21st October 1563, leaving no legitimate issue, and his property, some of which had been held in trust, descended to his brother Henry's son and namesake.