Urian Brereton facts for kids

Handforth Hall, built by Urian Brereton, seen in 2013

Sir Urian Brereton was an important person who worked very closely with King Henry VIII. He was known as a "Groom of the Privy Chamber," which meant he was part of the king's personal staff. He helped the king with many tasks and was often by his side.

Sir Urian Brereton: A Royal Helper

Urian Brereton was born around 1505 in Malpas, England. His parents were Sir Randle Brereton and Eleanor Dutton. He had a brother named William, who also worked for the king. Urian also had another brother who was a royal chaplain, a religious advisor.

Working for King Henry VIII

In 1526, Urian was given important jobs. He became the "Ranger" of Delamere Forest, which meant he looked after the forest for the king. He also became the "Escheator" of Cheshire. This job involved managing lands that went back to the king when someone died without an heir. Sometimes, he shared these jobs with his brother William.

Around 1527, Urian married Margaret Handford. She was the only child of William Handford. Because Urian worked so closely with the king, he often saw Queen Anne Boleyn. There's a story that Anne Boleyn had a greyhound dog named Urian. Historians now believe that Anne did have a greyhound, and Urian Brereton also had one. Once, during a hunt, their dogs got loose and killed a farmer's cow. The king paid the farmer for the damage.

Even after Queen Anne Boleyn and his brother William were executed in 1536, Urian Brereton remained in the king's favor. The king even gave Urian much of his brother William's land in Cheshire. This land was more than 200 acres!

Important Roles and Achievements

Urian continued to take on more important roles. In 1538, he became the Sheriff of Flint, which meant he was the chief law enforcement officer there. In July of that year, he also became the king's attorney, helping with legal matters.

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, when the king closed down many monasteries, Urian was given some of their properties. He received assets from Newnham Priory and Chester Priory.

Urian was also involved in important political discussions. He helped try to arrange a marriage between Prince Edward (who would later become King Edward VI) and the young Mary, Queen of Scots. This was part of an agreement called the Treaty of Greenwich. When this agreement failed, King Henry VIII sent an army to Scotland. Urian was part of this army in May 1544. During this time, he was knighted by the Earl of Hertford for his bravery. This meant he was given the title "Sir." In 1550, he again became the Escheator of Flint.

Building Handforth Hall

Sir Urian Brereton was responsible for building Handforth Hall. This beautiful building was his home. He passed away there on March 19, 1577. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Cheadle. He also paid for a special screen to be put up around the Brereton family chapel in the church.

Sir Urian Brereton had many children. He was the grandfather of Ambrose Barlow and the great-grandfather of Sir William Brereton, 1st Baronet.