Britton (or Bretton), John, VENERABLE, layman and martyr, of an ancient family of Bretton near Barnsley in Yorkshire. An ardent Catholic, he was often separated from his wife and family, owing to constant persecution which he suffered for his faith. When advanced in years, he was maliciously and falsely accused of traitorous speeches against the queen and condemned to death. Refusing to renounce his faith he was executed at York, as in cases of high treason, 1 April, 1598. He was probably the father of Dr. Matthew Britton, prefect and professor at Douai in 1599.
Challoner, Memoirs; KNox, Douay Diaries; Peacock, List of Roman Catholics of Yorkshire (London, 1872); Foley, Records; Roman Diary (London, 1880); Gillow, Bibl. Diet. Eng. Cath, (London, 1885).
Bede Camm.