Abel Brereton Miniature Painting

Attention descendants of Abel Brereton

A miniature painting of Abel Brereton has remained in the Norfolk branch of the family for many generations. Ideally we would like to pass this small miniature on to his descendants.

Through research it appears most or all of his descendants now live in Canada. Abel and his elder twin brother, John Brereton were baptised in June 1752. They were the sons of John Brereton and Bridget Brett. Abel was buried at Brinton in Sept 1818. 

Abel married twice, firstly to Anne Rouse their daughter Ann married William Copland both Ann and William moved to Canada. Abel’s second marriage was to his cousin, Elizabeth Lloyd. Their son Cloudsley Shovel Brereton moved to Canada. 

If interested in learning more about this painting please contact me via this website link.

The Brereton family memorial in Lt Massingham Church

 

The Brereton family crest is of a muzzled bear, the carved bear heads can be found at either end of the Brereton pew directly under the family memorial in Little Massingham Church.

The following is taken from the book by Robert Maitland Brereton 
            ‘The Breretons of Cheshire 1100 - 1904’

‘Family tradition has preserved the following interesting fact as to the origin of the muzzle upon the bear's head in the Brereton arms: Once upon a time in a battle, of uncertain date, the Brereton of the day, a stalwart knight, was guilty of an excess of ardour, and pushed an advantage too far, in the Prince Rupert style. The king who witnessed the brave fault, and thought it called for a mild rebuke, exclaimed: "I shall put a muzzle upon that bear,” and directed it to be notified to the Herald's college.’