Brenton Family Genealogy & History

Howard John Brenton, born on December 13, 1942, is a renowned English playwright and screenwriter, celebrated for his impactful works like "Weapons of Happiness" and "Pravda." His career took off in the late 1960s, with collaborations alongside notable contemporaries like David Hare. Brenton’s plays often explore political themes, as seen in "The Romans in Britain," which sparked controversy in the 1980s. He has received numerous accolades, including the Evening Standard Award for Best Play in 1976 and 1985. Brenton's contributions to theatre have established him as a significant figure in English drama, earning him a Fellowship at the Royal Society of Literature in 2017.

Brenton was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, to Donald Henry Brenton, a policeman turned Methodist minister, and Rose Lilian (née Lewis). He was educated at Chichester High School for Boys before studying English Literature at St Catharine's College, Cambridge. Brenton married Jane Margaret Fry in 1970, and they have two sons.

Timothy Quinn Brenton was a highly regarded officer with the Seattle Police Department, having served for nine years. Prior to his service in Seattle, he worked as a police officer in La Conner, Washington, and was a United States Army veteran of the Gulf War. Brenton, who graduated from West Seattle High School and Spokane Community College, tragically lost his life in an act of domestic terrorism on October 31, 2009, during a fatal shooting in Seattle's Central District. His dedication to law enforcement and public safety made him a respected figure in the community.

Will Brenton is a renowned British writer, producer, and director known for his impactful contributions to television and theatre. He co-founded Tell-Tale Productions and Wish Films with Iain Lauchlan, earning six BAFTA nominations and winning a 2000 BAFTA for Best Pre-School Live Action. Brenton's notable works include creating popular children's TV shows like The Tweenies, Fun Song Factory, and Jim Jam and Sunny. He has directed iconic series such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale and co-wrote the successful Doctor Who live tour. His literary works include children's books like Claude and Elephant White. Brenton continues to influence children's entertainment with projects like Melody and live shows for CBeebies and other productions.

Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton, 2nd Baronet (1807–1862), was a distinguished British nobleman renowned for his translation of the Septuagint into English, a significant contribution to biblical literature available since 1844. A graduate of Oriel College, Oxford, Brenton initially served as an ordained minister in the Church of England before establishing an independent chapel in Bath. His involvement with the Plymouth Brethren and contributions to The Christian Witness marked him as an influential figure in the Brethren movement. Despite his naval family background, Brenton was a committed pacifist, reflecting his father's evangelical values.

Lancelot Brenton was the second of four children born to Sir Jahleel Brenton, 1st Baronet, a Vice Admiral in the British Royal Navy honored with a baronetcy for his service. Upon his father's death in 1844, Lancelot became the second baronet, inheriting a legacy marked by both naval excellence and religious devotion.