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.’
‘The Breretons of Cheshire 1100 - 1904’
