William Brereton, 1st Baron Brereton facts for kids
William Brereton, 1st Baron Brereton (born in 1550 – died October 1, 1631) was an important English person who worked in government. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the parliament, many times between 1597 and 1622. In 1624, he was given a special title and became a Baron Brereton in the Peerage of Ireland.
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Who Was William Brereton?
William Brereton was born in 1550 and was the son of Sir William Brereton. His family lived in a place called Brereton, Cheshire. When he was only about nine years old, his father passed away in 1559. William then inherited all the family's lands and wealth.
His Education and Early Career
William went to Oxford University and earned a degree in 1568. After that, he studied law at Lincoln's Inn starting in 1569. This education helped him prepare for a life in public service.
From 1573, he served as a Justice of the Peace (JP) for Cheshire. A JP helps keep law and order in the local area. He was also the High Sheriff of Cheshire from 1581 to 1582. The High Sheriff was a very important local official.
In 1586, William built a large and beautiful house called Brereton Hall in Brereton. It was designed to look similar to another grand house nearby called Rocksavage. In 1588, he was given the title of Knight, which meant he was called "Sir William Brereton." He also helped organize soldiers as a commissioner for musters in 1595 and 1596.
William Brereton in Parliament
William Brereton was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Cheshire in 1597. This meant he represented his area in the English Parliament. He was elected again in 1614 and 1621.
He owned land near a place called Old Leighlin in Ireland. Because he lived in England, he was an absentee landlord for this property. This means he owned the land but did not live there himself.
On May 11, 1624, he was given a special noble title: Baron Brereton of Leighlin. This made him a peer, a high-ranking member of society. William Brereton lived to be about 80 years old. He was buried in Brereton.
William Brereton's Family Life
William Brereton married Margaret Savage. Her father was Sir John Savage, and her mother was Lady Elizabeth Manners. William and Margaret had eight children together: four sons and four daughters. Sadly, most of their children died when they were young.
However, two of their children lived to get married:
- Mary Brereton: She married Henry O'Brien, 5th Earl of Thomond on July 18, 1608.
- Sir John Brereton: Born on March 25, 1591, he was expected to inherit his father's title. He married Anne Fitton. Sadly, John died before his father did.
John and Anne had five children: three sons and two daughters.
- William Brereton (1611–1664): He became the 2nd Baron Brereton after his grandfather passed away.
- John Brereton (1624 – October 22, 1656)
- Edward Brereton
- Mary Brereton: She married Sir Michael Hutchinson.
- Jane Brereton (died 1648): She eventually inherited the family's wealth. She married Sir Robert Holte around 1646. Their son was Sir Charles Holte, 3rd Baronet.
