Edmund Gonville

His father was William Gonville, a Frenchman domiciled in England, who owned the Manor of Lerling and other property in Norfolk.

William's eldest son was Sir Nicholas Gonville who married an heiress of the Lerling family.

[2] Gonville worked for King Edward III of England, including lending him money.

In return he was rewarded with appointment as King's clerk (a title later known as Secretary of State).

[3] After Gonville, supported by Sir Walter Manny, petitioned Edward III for permission to set up a college for 20 scholars at the University of Cambridge, permission was granted and Edward III issued Letters patent in January 1348.