[.B]Thurrock Nub News' history writer Susan Yates brings a personal connection to her latest feature on days gone by in the borough.[.B]

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RICHARD Brito, or Richard le Bret as he was also known, was the son of Simon le Bret. Richard held lands in Long Sutton, Somerset and Sandford Bret (named after the family).

One of his near neighbours was Sir Reginald FitzUrse, born 1145, who inherited the manor of Williton, Somerset from his father Richard FitzUrse on his death in 1168.

The le Bret family gave their name to one of the five manors of Aveley, the Manor of Bretts or Bretts Place. This is a Grade II* listed building but the current house is not the one Richard le Bret would have known.

Built late 14th century or early 15th century it is timber framed and plastered with a red brick ground floor. It has a grey slate roof is of two storeys built on the half H plan with deep projecting wings with a formerly open hall in the centre.

The windows are modern casement windows. Internally are two late 14th century cinque-foiled (five lobed) stone window heads.

The first floor has timber traceried (decorative work) windows now covered. There are two four-centred fireplaces at first floor level, one stone with shields of arms, and one of plastered brick. Both circa 1600. Original frame and roof is virtually complete. First floor hall, originally with barrel vaulted ceiling. Curved scissor bracing, and moulded top plates. Wing at north end has simple crown post roof. It was moated and part of this still remains on the north and west sides.

Sir Reginald FitzUrse was also a neighbour to Richard le Bret here as he was Lord of the Manor of North Ockendon formerly known as Ockendon Setfountayns. This building no longer exists but formed the greater part of the parish.

Its replacement as the Manor of North Ockendon was the former Poyntz family home, which was demolished circa 1944.

In June 1170 the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of London, together with the Bishop of Salisbury crowned Young Henry the heir apparent in York. Coronation was Canterbury's privilege. As a result the Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket excommunicated all three of them in November of that year.

At Christmas that year Sir Reginald FitzUrse, Richard le Bret or Brito, Hugh de Morville and William de Tracy were with Henry II in Bures, Normandy, and it was here that Henry II allegedly uttered the immortal words "who will rid me of this turbulent priest".

Actually Edward Grimm, who was writing his version at the time is more likely to be correct which is: "What miserable drones and traitors have I nourished and brought up in my household, who let their lord be treated with such shameful contempt by a low-born cleric?"

Whatever King Henry said the four knights separately made their way across the channel to England. They met up at Saltwood Castle, Kent which is about a mile away from Hythe and still exists. They planned their attack at the castle. On 29th December 1170 the four knights made their way to Canterbury Cathedral.

On arrival according to Gervase of Canterbury and Edward Grimm they hid their weapons under a tree outside the cathedral and covered their armour with their cloaks. They entered the cathedral and found Becket in the choir. They challenged him to come with them to answer to the

King but he refused.

The four knights then retrieved their weapons. Becket meanwhile had proceeded to the main hall for Vespers. The monks of the cathedral wanted to bolt themselves in but Becket refused to "make a fortress out of a house of prayer". The four knights entered saying "where is Thomas Becket, traitor to the King and country". Becket was near the door to the monastic cloister the stairs to the crypt and the choir, where the monks were chanting Vespers, replied "I am no traitor and ready to die". It is said the knights were led by FitzUrse who struck the first blow. This was not the fatal blow however and Richard le Bret, Hugh de Morville and William de Tracy followed suit removing the crown of Becket's head, spilling blood and brains on to the cathedral floor.

It is said that Richard le Bret broke his sword when chopping at Becket's head.

Christendom was outraged and Henry II publicly showed remorse engaging in penance. The

four knights fled to Scotland on hearing of the King's disapproval and thence to Morville's Knaresborough Castle. All four were excommunicated by the Pope.

Henry's chief advisor at this time was Sir Richard de Lucy and he too felt some responsibility

for Becket's death and for his penance he founded Lesnes Abbey, Erith. In 1341 the advowson of St Michaels Church, Aveley was with Lesnes Abbey (the advowson is the right to recommend a member of the Anglican clergy for a vacant benefice, or to make such an appointment).

There is another Thurrock connection too, because I am a descendant of the de Lucy family.