[6] From 1405 he served on commissions to deliberate in important cases of appeal against judgements, particularly concerning maritime or Admiralty affairs, including the unjust capture of ships of Brittany.
From references in Hovyngham's will to Kirkbymoorside, Byland Abbey and Skipwith, it seems possible that he is "John de Honyngham" the canon of St Mary's, Newburgh Priory (York diocese), who as perpetual vicar of "Kirby super moram" sought a papal indult in 1410–1411 to let to farm the fruits of the vicarage, when studying at university or living in some safe place.
On 24 November 1414 Archdeacon Hovyngham was presented by the prior and convent of Durham to the Prebend of Skipwith in the collegiate church of Howden in the York diocese.
[19] In August 1415 he was among the assessors over whom Archbishop Chichele presided, at the London inquisition against the Lollard John Claydon of St Anne's near Aldersgate, who was subsequently burned at West Smithfield.
[20] Soon afterwards, as King Henry's preparations for the assault on France were in the final stages, Hovyngham was sent with Simon Flete as envoys to the Duke of Brittany to recruit his support, not returning until December of that year.
He leaves money for a year's masses on his behalf at St Bartholomew's, and to Easington for a principal vestment and attire suitable for a deacon and subdeacon, for ordination there before their high altar, so that one chaplain shall have an annual pension of six marks to celebrate for him in the chantry which John Calcroft formerly occupied in the said church.
The will makes many individual bequests, and refers to his sister Agnes, and his half-brothers William and Robert and their mother Johanna, who according to their father's will are to hold and inherit his properties in York.