Distinguished Family

The Breretons during the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries were among the most distinguished families in England. They intermarried with other noble families like the Caringtons, Cholmondeleys, Davenports, Hanmers, Traftords, Radclyffs, Edgertons, Corbets, Stanleys, Booths, etc.

The early ancestors spelled their name Brerton, Bretone, Breerton, Brierton, and Brereton. I have found over 175 different spellings of this ancient surname. The lack of standardized spelling in the English language at the time means that many spellings for the surname exist today. Many families are unaware that they are actually descendants of this family.

Sir William Brereton the IX in 1516 was the first person to adopt the current spelling and also the first person to drop the de from the surname.

Some of the Irish branch of the family used the Brierton spelling. A John Brierton in 1602 discovered the land of Martha's vineyard and Cape Cod along with Captain Bartholomew Gosnold. He wrote a book addressed to Sir Walter Raleigh on his discoveries which can be read on line through the public archives. He helped build the first English fort and storehouses and planted wheat, barley, and oats in New England.

His account of his journeys inspired John Smith (best known from the story of Pocahontas) to travel to this new found land to help settle it.

It is also believed that the John Brierton returned to England following his exploration of Massachusetts and shared tales of his adventures with his close friend William Shakespeare. It is believed that John Brierton's stories inspired Shakespeare's play the Tempest.

Sir William Brereton Bart. IV of Handford known as the "Warrior" during the Civil war obtained a large land grant in the northeastern portion of Massachusetts from Sir Fortunatus Gorges the father of the Plymouth colony in 1620.