John Browne was the son of Sir William Browne, mercer and Lord Mayor of London, of Flambards Hall, Essex, by his second wife, Alice Keble (d 8 June 1521), the daughter of Henry Keble (1452-April 1517), Lord Mayor of London, and Joan Bryce.
Browne was appointed Warden of the Mint in 1536 (until 1544), and was surveyor of the mint thereafter. He was a Member (Member of Parliament) of the Parliament of England for Aldborough in 1558. He was appointed Sheriff of London in 1552, but was excused office on payment of a fine.
He established his home at Horton Kirby in Kent.
