KNIGHTLEY, John (d.1415/16), of Chesterton, Warws.

He has been distinguished from John Knightley† (d.1391/2) of Knightley and Wyrley, Staffs., s. of Sir Robert Knightley (d.c.1365), who sat for Staffs. in 1373, 1376, 1379 and 1382 (Oct.); and from his own father, John, s. of Robert Knightley (d.1383) of Gnosall by his w. Juliana (d.1395), who sat for Staffs. in 1383 (Feb.) and 1384 (Apr.). Both men served on numerous royal commissions (notably those of the peace) in Staffs. and elsewhere, and the latter acted as steward of the earl of Stafford’s estates from bef. Mich. 1399-aft. Mich. 1406 (C. Rawcliffe, Staffords, 216; Staffs. RO, D641/1/2/40A, 48). The three Johns are confused in Staffs. Parl. Hist. i. (Wm. Salt Arch. Soc.), 115, 136, but are more clearly distinguished in VCH Staffs. iv. 119, and VCH Northants. Fams. 169-70, 175-6, 177-9, 206-7.