The known history of the Downs name and heritage goes far back into the history of England.  Records indicate that a Downs ancestor was responsible for saving King Arthur in Sherwood Forest in the 14th century.  The Downs Coat of Arms is said to have been awarded as a result of that heroism.  Efforts to prove that legend have not proven successful but we keep trying.  Information does exist, however, about William Downs of Tenterden, Kent England who was born about 1570.  William was the grandfather of John Downs, who arrived in the New Haven Colony around 1648 or thereabouts.

William Downs grew up in Tenterden and married Beatrice, who was originally from nearby Ashford.