RAINHILL Hall, now known as Loyola Hall, was the family home of the Stapleton-Bretherton family, many of whom had military connections.
Major Frederick Stapelton–Bretherton fought in the Boer War and returned home in triumph. The village was decorated for the occasion. He also fought in the First World War.
Sadly the Major’s son, Lieutenant Osmund Stapleton-Bretherton was killed in action in France, aged 19.
His brother Captain Wilfred S-Bretherton was also killed in action in Belgium aged 28.
Another brother Lieutenant Robert Charles was killed in the Boer War aged 26. But brothers Edmond and Vincent fought in WW1 and survived. A sister, Evelyn, married a Prussian prince and spent the years 1914-1918 interred in Berlin. Another sister, Gertrude, married a naval officer who served during WW1. His youngest sister, Monica, spent the war years doing canteen work and nursing.
After the war, the Stapleton-Bretherton line died out and the Hall was sold to the Jesuits in 1923.
Rainhill Civic Society is seeking photographs and memorabilia about the Bretherton family. Contact rainhill.civic@googlemail.com or phone Anne Slater 0151 426 4455 if you can help.
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