Katharine Brettargh facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Katherine Brettargh
A woodcut of Katherine
Born	Katherine Breun
Baptised	13 February 1579
Died	31 May 1601
Nationality	English
Other names	Catherine Bretterg
Spouse(s)	William Brettargh
Parent(s)	John Bruen

Katharine Brettargh (1579–1601) was an English woman who lived a short but impactful life. She was a Puritan, which meant she followed a strict form of Protestant Christianity. Katharine came from a well-known, religious family in Cheshire. After her early death, her life became the subject of "godly" books that shared lessons about faith and living a good life.

Katharine Brettargh's Early Life

Katharine Brettargh was the daughter of a wealthy landowner, or squire, named John Bruen. Her family lived in Bruen Stapleford, a place in Cheshire, England. She was baptised on 13 February 1579. From a very young age, Katharine showed a deep and serious interest in her religious faith.

Marriage and Beliefs

When Katharine was about 20 years old, she married William Brettargh. He lived near Liverpool at a place called Brettargh Holt. William shared Katharine's strong Puritan beliefs. They were both very religious and dedicated to their faith.

Challenges and Kindness

The Brettarghs faced some difficulties because of their beliefs. Their neighbors, who were Roman Catholic, sometimes caused problems for them. It was said that some of William's horses and cattle were harmed on his land at night. People believed this was done by Catholic priests and others who were hiding in the area.

Despite these challenges, Katharine's kindness impressed many people. For example, one time, a tenant who owed her husband rent was struggling to pay. Katharine asked her husband to wait three more months for the payment. When the man finally brought the money, Katharine felt worried. She told her husband, "I fear you do not do well to take it of him... for I doubt he is not well able to pay it, and then you oppress the poor." This shows how much she cared for others, even when it meant giving up what was rightfully theirs.

Katharine's Final Days

Katharine Brettargh's married life lasted just over two years. She became very ill with a "hot burning ague," which is an old term for a severe fever. She passed away on Whit Sunday, 31 May 1601.

During her illness, Katharine received comfort from her brother, John Bruen. She also had visits from William Harrison and other Puritans who offered her support and religious guidance. Katharine was buried at Childwall Church on Wednesday, 3 June 1601.

Remembering Katharine: Her Story in Books

After Katharine's death, a short book was written about her life. This book, called Death's Advantage little Regarded, was written by William Harrison and William Leigh. It is the main source of information about her.

Some people had suggested that Katharine died feeling hopeless, but her biographers strongly disagreed. They wrote the book to show that she died with strong faith and hope.

There is also a picture of Katharine in a book called 'Marrow of Ecclesiastical History' by Samuel Clarke, published in 1675. The picture shows her wearing an elaborate ruff (a fancy collar) and a sugarloaf hat, with her hair neatly covered by a skull-cap.