ABSTRACT
The John Bramhall's were originally a Cheshire family who, according to one biographer, Arthur West Hadden, were 'ancient and genteel', and according to Alexander Gordon, were of Bramhall Hall in that county. At Sidney Sussex, Bramhall came under the tutelage of a Mr Howlett who Jeremy Taylor described as an important influence and 'a grave and worthy man'. Bramhall's elevation only hastened the transformation of the Irish Church and when he had received the purple cloak he then became the key figure behind all future preferments, according to Vesey recommending 'stout and prudent' persons to carry out their work. Bramhall was also involved in assisting the royal cause in more practical ways. There had been in 1651 a discussion between Hyde and Secretary Nicholas in which they hatched a scheme to maintain the line of episcopal succession so that it might survive in exile.
