Sir Basil Brooke

Grandson of Sir Robert Brooke, Sir Basil Brooke was born at Madeley Court in 1576. He was a metallurgist, farmer, industrialist and one of the leading Roman Catholics of his day. He inherited the manor of Madeley from his father, John Brooke. The estate contained coal mines, and Sir Basil is credited with developing the Shropshire Longwall method for extracting coal. It has been used in mines all over the world.

Cementation Furnace

He obtained a patent for making steel around 1615, and built a steel cementation furnace on his Madeley Estate. This furnace was the first of its kind in England. The remains of this furnace have recently been excavated.

Environmental Impact

His iron making interests saw him take over furnaces of the King's ironworks in the Forest of Dean. His lease was suspended for illegal felling in 1618. Later reinstated, he took over all four furnaces of the King's works. In 1633 he was fined when it was claimed that his activities were having a disastrous effect on the Forest. He had his own thriving ironworks at Madeley as well as his forges at the mouth of the River Perry.

Bishop's Wars

Sir Basil Brooke was also a leading Roman Catholic, said to have personal contact with Kings James and Charles 1. During the Bishops Wars of 1639-40 he was treasurer for contributions collected from English Catholics. In 1641 he fled to York after being summoned by the House of Commons. He was arrested and imprisoned in London. On the 6th January 1644 he was taken to the Tower for being involved in a plot against Parliament.

Sequestration

His Madeley estate was sequestrated in 1645, and he died on the 31st December 1646 leaving debts of £10,000. His wife was Etheldreda Brudenell, daughter of Sir Edmund Brudenell. It was their son Thomas (himself impeached for treason against Parliament) who later recovered his estate. It remained in the family until 1727.