Knights of the Shire

Knights of the Shire for the County of Chester Under each Monarch at the time.

King Richard I
Sir Ranulphus or Radulphus Brereton, of Brereton was one of the knights of the Crusades

King Henvry VII
Sir Randolph Brereton

King Henry VIII
Sir William Brereton of Malpas Groom of the privy chamber
Sir Urian Brereton of Handford Groom of the privy chamber (William's younger brother)
Two other brothers were also in royal service. I have not been able to find their names yet.

After Sir William Brereton was beheaded by the king the king placed his younger brother Urian in the same positions at his court as William had held. Anne Boleyn's daughter Queen Elizabeth took special interest in the family because she knew what William had done to support her mother. It is said that she laid the foundation stone of Brereton Hall. To see pictures of Brereton Hall and to get more information go to www.brereton.org.

Queen Elizabeth
William Brereton, of Brereton, esq.

James I
William Brereton, of Brereton, knight William Brereton, of Ashley, esq

Charles I
Sir William Brereton, of Handford, bart.

Charles II
Lord William Brereton of Leighlin

Barons of the Exchequer of Chester
Owen Salusbury Brereton, of Shotwick, esq.