The family of Sherburne was of great antiquity and distinction in the county of Lancaster, and possessed Stonyhurst from the time of the early Plantagenets. Under Edward I, Sir Robert Sherburn was seneschall of Wiswall and Blackburnshire, and in the martial reigh of the third Edward, Sir John Sherburn, attending his royal master in his French wars, served at the siege of Calais.

ECD by J. Orton & T.F. Beard: says he was born and died at Stonyhurst. married Joan Langton dau of Henry de Langton, Esq of Walton in le Dale by special dispensation, for they were related to each other, issued by Philip Calandrini cardinal Bishop of Porto, dtd 19 Feb 1472.