When King Richard II was killed by Henry IV, Sir John was was banished to Ireland and his lands were confiscated.

Henry V restored the confiscated lands of his father and authorized him to bear the arms of a Knight of Arragon.

At the battle of Tewksbury on May 4, 1471, the Lancastrians were defeated, and William with others took refuge in the Abbey Church. According to the customs of those times, the church was a "sanctuary," and they could not be taken out of it. They were enticed out on a promise of pardon and two days later were beheaded. His property was confiscated as usual in such cases, but Henry VII restored it to his son Robert.

William's brother Thomas Cary had two sons John and William. William Cary married Mary Boleyne, sister of the famous Anne Boleyne.

He was sheriff of Bristol in 1599 and mayor in 1611.

John was one of 8 sons and 2 daughters. He differed with his brothers about the settlement of the estate, received 100 pounds, and sailed for America.