Pettus baronets

[2] There are discrepancies in the lineage of the baronetcy due to source documents disagreeing with details in various published accounts.

The most notable is the confusion of two related individuals, both called "Sir John Pettus" by ancient chroniclers.

The family played a role in trade and exploration including the settlement of the New World, by founding the East India Company, and by other commercial and military achievements.

The family also suffered in the Royal Cause under King Charles I, supporting him with arms, money and military action.

The family is said to have descended from Simon Le Petit, a merchant of Norwich, where he is mentioned on the Patent Rolls: "1227 A.D. De Licencia per Lewelinum (sic).

–Simon le Petit, Mercator L. principis Norwallic, habet licenciam veniendi in Angliam et morandi et redeundi cum vinis et mercandisis suis, faciendo inde rectas et debitas consuetudines.

– The high Norwallic merchant prince Simon le Petit has left to come to England and has brought with him wines and merchandise.

Sir Thomas Pettus accompanied King Charles I on his expedition in 1640 into Scotland and Northumberland and may have been granted his Baronetcy as a result.