Known as John Knyvett of Bracondale, he was born about 1650 at Trowse, Norfolk, England and died October 1731. He married Lucy Suckling, daughter of Charles Suckling, in 1673 at Bracondale, Norfolk, England. She was born November 12, 1650 at Brakendale, Norfolk, England. She died and was buried August 1, 1720. His name was also spelt Knyvet.

Lucy was an ancestor to Catherine, mother of Lord Horatio Nelson.

John's Will was dated May 29, 1729 and proved November 25, 1731.

National Archives (UK)
Reference: KNY 890 372 x 6
Letter from John Knyvett to 'cosen' Oliver Le Neve, (husband of Jane), recommending Mr. Gooch as bailiff at Ashwellthorpe, (1704).

Reference: KNY 888, 889 372 x 6
Letters from Colonel P. Knyvett, Norwich
To Peter Le Neve refusing invitation on account of his father's health, and re fee for help in Lady Berners' peerage claim and sale of Tacolnestone estate of Farrer, a distiller, (1721, 1723).

Reference: KNY 887 372 x 6
Letter of introduction from Colonel John Knyvett, Chapelfield, Norwich, to Peter Le Neve, of Benjamin Mackerell 'a great admirer of Heralldry', (1722).