The Corbets had been important landholders in the Welsh Marches, particularly in Shropshire, since the Norman Conquest and many had represented their county or other constituencies in parliament. They evolved in the Tudor period into an upper gentry family, well-connected and with substantial estates, but not ennobled. Roger Corbet's father had died when he was only about twelve years of age and his wardship was purchased by Sir Andrew Windsor, who married him to his daughter. Their sons included Andrew and Jerome Corbet, both to be MPs.