|
|
|
The more common variations of the name: Hetherton
The family came from the Brampton Region of Cumberland about 10 miles east of Carlisle. More specifically the village of Hethersgill (map ref: 86 4767) and the villages nearby. These villages are about 6 miles northwest of Brampton. The family are not regarded as a prominent reiving family, probably because of it being relatively small in numbers, however, records indicate that it was involved in feuding and local reiving with its neighbours. It was especially prominent in the protection racket (known as blackmail) when it apparently insisted on 'protecting' more vulnerable groups at a price. George Fraser, in his book The Steel Bonnets states that they were heavily involved in conspiracy to murder the Bishop of Carlisle in 1596.
|