Background
He was the son of Thomas Bardolf, 2nd Baron Bardolf and Agnes Grandison, thought to be the daughter of William de Grandison, 1st Baron Grandison. John Bardolf was in his minority when his father died in 1331 and in 1336, upon proof of his age being given, he did homage and was awarded livery of his lands which in addition to Wormegay included the lands and manors of Cantley, & Caistor, Norfolk, Owmby, Lincolnshire, and Addington, Surrey.