He was the eldest son of Sir Robert Atkyns, chief baron of the Exchequer, and sometime speaker of the House of Lords.

[2][3] Thomas Atkyns, who died in London 1401, was succeeded in the fourth generation by David Atkins, an eminent merchant in Chepstow, who removed before his death in 1552 to Tuffley, near Gloucester.

The first edition contains a fine portrait of the author by Michael Vandergucht, together with a series of views of seats in the county, drawn and engraved by Jan Kip in his earliest manner.

[1][8] Atkyns married Louise-Margaret (Louisonne), the daughter of Sir George Carteret of Hawnes, Bedfordshire, in about 1674.

[9] He died on 29 November 1711 at his house in Westminster of dysentery, at the age of sixty-five, and was buried at Sapperton, where his monument is preserved.