He was a son of Sir Angel Donne (d.1505/6), an Alderman of the City of London, resident in 1506 in Bassishaw ward.
Donne is said by some sources[REF] to be descended from the family anciently called "Downe", seated at the manor of "Doune Raph"[REF] or "Downe-Ralph", etc. later called "Rowsedown",[REF] today called Rousdon[REF] near Axminster in Devon.