A manuscript genealogy of the founders of Horsham priory, Norfolk names “filium...Rogerum et Johannem vicecomitem et Willielmum de Caineto” as the children of “domino Roberto filio Walteri fundatori domus sanctæ Fidis de Horsham” and his wife. 1
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Chesney founded Sibton Abbey, and after his brother John's death he confirmed the foundation of that Cistercian monastery, which was the only Cistercian house in Suffolk. Besides founding that monastery, he also gave lands or other gifts to Colne Priory, Essex, Thetford Priory, Castle Acre Priory, St John's Abbey, Stoke-by-Clare Priory, and Blythburgh Priory.
Chesney acquired the barony of Blythburgh in Suffolk in 1157. These lands were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by the king, and when Chesney was granted them they were assessed at one knight's fee in feudal service. Besides Blythburgh, Chesney also acquired lands in Norfolk and Essex which he added to the family lands in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Chesney was Sheriff of Norfolk in the late 1140s and the 1150s, being recorded as holding that office in two documents – one dated to between 1146 and 1149 and the other dated to between 1146 and 1153. The same documents record him as holding the office of Sheriff of Suffolk at concurrent times. He held both offices again between 1156 and 1163. 2
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