Robert Brerewood facts for kids

Sir Robert Brerewood (born 1588 – died 1654) was an English lawyer and a politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, in 1640.

Early Life and Education

Robert Brerewood was born in 1588. His parents were John Brerewood and Mary (Parry) Brerewood. His father, John, had been the Sheriff of Chester. A sheriff was an important local official. Robert's sister, Jane Ratcliffe, was known for her religious life.

The Brerewood family was well-known in Chester. For many years, different family members held important public jobs there.

In 1605, Robert went to Brasenose College, Oxford, a famous university. Later, he joined Middle Temple. This was one of the special schools in London where people learned to become lawyers.

Becoming a Lawyer

On November 13, 1615, Robert Brerewood officially became a lawyer. This is called being "called to the bar." He worked as a lawyer for 22 years.

He inherited a large collection of books from his uncle, Edward Brerewood. Robert also helped publish some of his uncle's writings.

Career in Law and Politics

Robert Brerewood became a judge in North Wales in 1637. The next year, in 1638, he was chosen to be a "reader" at Middle Temple. This meant he taught law to other students. In 1639, he became the Recorder of Chester. A Recorder was a senior judge in a city.

Serving in Parliament

In April 1640, Robert Brerewood was elected to be a Member of Parliament for Chester. He served in a short meeting of Parliament called the Short Parliament.

Later in 1640, he became a "serjeant-at-law." This was a very high rank for a lawyer. In 1641, he was made the "king's serjeant," meaning he was a top lawyer for the King.

Becoming a Judge

In 1643, Robert Brerewood was given the title of "Sir" (knighted). He was also made a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. This was a very important court. He took his oath as a judge in Oxford, where King Charles I was at the time.

He continued to serve as a judge until the end of the English Civil War. However, he never sat in Westminster Hall, which was the main court building in London. After King Charles I was executed, Sir Robert Brerewood stopped working in public life.

Personal Life and Death

Sir Robert Brerewood was married two times. His first wife was Anna Mainwaring. His second wife was Katherine Lea. He had several children with both of his wives.

Sir Robert Brerewood passed away when he was 66 years old. He was buried in St Mary's Church in Chester.