In 1350 John Elys became vicar of Hoxne. In 1365 he became Rector of Great Oakley, Suffolk.
In his will of 1375 'John Elys, Rector of Ocle Magna, left to the repairs of the Chapel of St. Edmund, at Hoxne, 3s 4d and one rood of meadow lying next Hoxne Bridge in perpetual alms'.