Lewis Stockett was born about 1530 in Hackington, Kent, England. His family was of St. Stephen's Parish, Kent County, where they had been established for a long period, and had held a considerable landed estate. They were, maybe, of Saxon origin. The standing & lineage of the family must have been at least good for it had held rank with the "landed gentry" for many years, and was entitled to bear and display the insignia and "coat of arms" of the name, not often used except by families of "gentle blood". The tenure of land was, in the olden time, the test of rank and position.

Lewis was one of the principal construction engineers or "Surveyor of Works" in to Elizabeth I and a member of her household. He was responsible for the construction of many forts, castles, royal residences and alterations during her reign.

By patent dated 23rd March, 5 Eliz., part 3 (membrane 33), Lewis (therein called Ludovico Stocker) was appointed "mayster masonne" not only the Tower of London and other Royal Castles, but also of Windsor Castle.  The office had become vacant by the death of Cornelius Brownstone.  His wages were to be 12 pence per day and he was also to have the usual Robe.  The patent is in Latin.

The enrollment was afterwards cancelled in due form, having been surrendered as appears by a marginal note on the Roll, when in the following year he was promoted to be Surveyor of the Queen's works.  The Patent of this later appointment is in the Patent Rolls 6 Elizabeth, part 6, membrane 20, and is dated 11 March 1563/4. The original is in English and after the usual opening phrases it proceeds "to give and grant to our well beloved servent, Lewys Stockett, the office of Surveyor of our Works within our Tower of London and in all and singluar our honours castles Lordships and manor the which we have usuallie reserved for our repaire and abode or in time to come shall appointe and ordeyne for repayre and abode.  To have hold occupie and enjoye the said office unto the said Lewys Stockett by himself or his sufficient deputie or deputies from the 11th day of December now past the date hereof being his naturall life together with all and singular profits commodities payments and advantages whatsoever to the said office pertaining in as ample manner and form as John Revell...had. Wages and fee of towe shilling the day for his own self and 6d. the day for his clerk were allowed.  He was also to be allowed fouer shillings a day for diet boathire and riding charge. As witness ourself at our Castell of Hertforde the XIth day of Marche. (per Privy Seal)."  The Volume of Domestic Papers of Queen Elizabeth (1556-1579 addenda), pages 311-2, records payments to Lewis Stockett 6th June, 1569 to 1570, for works and for ordinary allowance of 1200 a year.  This allowance was doubtless to be expended on the works.

The Will of Lewis Stockett is dated 16th February in the 21st year of Queen Elizabeth.  Probate was granted 19th Mar, 1578, to Lucie Stockette, his wife. The will is recorded in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury.  He describes himself as Surveyor of the Works to the Queen's Majesty.