He was the son of Stephen Thornhurst, keeper of Ford Park (died 1616) and his first wife.
Her first husband was Dr Hippocrates d'Otthen of Holstein (died 1611).
A local legend says the tomb was that of a hunter killed by his own dogs for Sabbath breaking.
[6] After William Thornhurst's death, his widow Anne married John Turberville of Woolbridge and Bere Regis.
[7] A legend of a phantom coach is attached to Woolbridge Manor, along with a story of Anne Howard and John Turberville's elopement.