active in the service of the English crown, both on the battlefield and as a court official, during the 15th and 16th century. A descendant of one of William the Conqueror's companions in arms, he fought for Henry VII at the battles of Stoke Field and Blackheath and possibly at other battles as well. In August 1508, he was appointed to the newly created office of Surveyor of the King's Prerogative. This office gave him the power to appropriate the lands and property of anyone who had violated the king's prerogative in some way, such as conviction for a felony. Additionally, the King instructed Belknap to collect debts that were owing to the Crown, as well as fines which the King himself often assessed for breaches of the law.
