John Brereton (Irish lawyer) facts for kids
Sir John Brereton (1576–1629) was an English lawyer who worked in Ireland. He held an important job called Serjeant-at-law. This role was like a senior legal advisor to the King or Queen.
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Sir John Brereton's Career
Sir John Brereton became the Irish Prime Serjeant in 1617. This was a very important legal position. He also received a knighthood at this time. He kept this job until he passed away on October 1, 1629.
The Title of Prime Serjeant
Sir John Brereton was the first person to be called "Prime Serjeant." Before him, the title was "King's Serjeant." The name changed because a new position, the "Second Serjeant," was created in 1627. This made the original Serjeant the "Prime" or first one.
Sir John Brereton's Family and Will
In his will, which is a legal document about what happens to someone's property after they die, Sir John Brereton left a generous gift to Sidney Sussex College. This is a college at the University of Cambridge. He then divided the rest of his property between his wife, Elizabeth, and his brother, Randal.
Elizabeth Brereton's Life
Elizabeth was Sir John Brereton's wife. She had been married before to George Montgomery, who was a Bishop. Her father was Edward Brabazon, 1st Baron Ardee, and her mother was Mary Smythe. She was also the sister of William Brabazon, 1st Earl of Meath.
After Sir John Brereton died, Elizabeth remarried in 1631. Her new husband was Sir John Bramston, who became a very important judge in England. Elizabeth passed away in 1647.
