Baron Petre

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Baron Petre of Writtle in the County of Essex (pronounced 'Peter'), is a title in the Peerage of England. It was created in 1603 for Sir John Petre, Lord Lieutenant of Essex. The family seat is Ingatestone Hall in Ingatestone in Essex.

The Petres have been staunchly loyal to Roman Catholicism. At least twelve members of the family have been Jesuits. The family has also produced two bishops, Francis (1692-1775) and Benjamin (1672-1758). These two were Coadjutor bishops of, respectively, Bishop Dicconson and Bishop Challoner.

The father of the first Baron Petre was Sir William Petre who was flexible enough to serve Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I as Secretary of State. Sir William bought Ingatestone Hall and the surrounding manor from Henry VIII for the full market value after it had been surrendered to the King by Barking Abbey in the Suppression of the Monasteries. It was his son, the first lord who publicly acknowledged his Catholicism.

Sir Edward Petre, Bt PC S.J. was the unpopular chaplain and advisor to James II. James made him Clerk of the Closet and asked the Pope to make him a bishop and later a Cardinal but was refused both requests.