Exchequer Dossiers: 2 the Recusancy of Venerable John Bretton, Gentleman and of Frances, His Wife

Abstract

So little has been published on this martyr (1) that it will be convenient to begin by referring to a recently discovered document which (although not having an Exchequer origin) throws some light on his family and helps us to understand, in particular:, the subsequent history of his wife's recusancy. This is a Chancery inquisition-post mortem. (2) drawn up at Leeds on 29 April, 1598 – within a month after his execution – by William Holmes, the Escheator for Yorkshire, its object being to ascertain the character of the estate held by him at the time of his death, and whether any legal obstacle lay in the way of the forfeiture, of the property to the Crown by reason of his attainder for felony.