Piers Dutton facts for kids

Sir Piers Dutton (died August 17, 1545) was an important figure who ruled the Dutton area from 1527 until his death. He played a part in the closing of Norton Abbey in 1536, which was part of a big change called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. He also started rebuilding his family home, Dutton Hall, in 1539.

Early Life of Sir Piers Dutton

Piers Dutton was the son of Piers Dutton and Eleanor Foulshurst. He became the owner of his family's lands in Hatton in 1503, after his grandfather (who was also named Piers Dutton) passed away. His family was a branch of the main Dutton family from Dutton, and they had lived in the area since the Norman Conquest.

Sir Piers Dutton's Public Service

Piers Dutton was the mayor of Chester for three years, from 1512 to 1515. This was an important job in the city.

In 1526, Lawrence Dutton, who was the head of the main Dutton family, died without any sons. This led to a disagreement over who should inherit the Dutton lands. Lawrence's sisters, Alice, Eleanor, Anne, Margaret, and Isabel, were involved in this dispute. However, Piers Dutton was decided to be the next male heir. So, the main Dutton lands were given to Piers, while some other lands went to Lawrence's sisters.

The very next year, in 1527, King Henry VIII made Piers Dutton a knight. This meant he was given the title "Sir."

The Closing of Norton Abbey

In October 1536, officials arrived to close Norton Abbey. This was part of the "Dissolution of the Monasteries," when King Henry VIII closed many monasteries and abbeys across England. About 300 people living near Norton Abbey did not want it to close and protested. They locked themselves inside the abbey's tower. They sent a message to Sir Piers Dutton, asking for help.

Sir Piers Dutton arrived and arrested the abbot (the head of the abbey) and several other people who were resisting. He then sent a report about what happened directly to King Henry VIII.

In 1539, Sir Piers Dutton began rebuilding his family home, Dutton Hall. He also became the High Sheriff of Cheshire on November 22, 1542. This was another important role, like being the chief law enforcement officer for the county. Sir Piers Dutton passed away on August 17, 1545.

Sir Piers Dutton's Family

Sir Piers Dutton married Eleanor Leigh. After Eleanor passed away, he married Julian Poytz. Sir Piers and Eleanor Dutton had several children:

• Piers Dutton – This son died when he was young.
• Hugh Dutton – He was the oldest son who lived to adulthood. He married Jane Booth and had children. Hugh inherited most of his father's lands, including the Dutton area. However, he died soon after his father in 1546. The male line of this family branch ended in 1614 with Hugh's grandson, Thomas Dutton. Thomas's daughter, Eleanor, who married Gilbert Gerrard, then inherited the lands. Later, the heiress of the Gilbert family, Elizabeth Gerrard, married James Hamilton, 4th Duke of Hamilton.
• Ralph Dutton – He was the second oldest son who lived to adulthood. Sir Piers Dutton gave him the lands in Hatton. Ralph had children, and his family lived in Hatton until the late 1600s.
• Elizabeth Dutton – She married William Manley.
• Alice Dutton
• Katherine Dutton – She married Roger Puleston.
• Anne Dutton – She married Hamlet Massey.
• Margaret Dutton
• Mary Dutton
• Margery Dutton – She married John Booth.