Charles Berkeley, 2nd Earl of Berkeley facts for kids

Charles Berkeley, the 2nd Earl of Berkeley (born April 8, 1649 – died September 24, 1710), was an important British nobleman and diplomat. He was known as Sir Charles Berkeley for a while and later as Viscount Dursley before becoming an Earl. He held several important roles during his life, serving his country in different ways.

Early Life and Education

Charles Berkeley was the son of George Berkeley, 1st Earl of Berkeley. He went to two famous universities: Christ Church, Oxford and Trinity College, Cambridge. When King Charles II was crowned in 1661, Charles Berkeley was made a Knight of the Bath. This was a special honor. He also earned his Master of Arts degree from Oxford in 1663. In 1667, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, which meant he was part of a group of important scientists and thinkers.

A Career in Politics and Diplomacy

In 1679, Charles Berkeley started using the title Viscount Dursley when his father became an Earl. Around this time, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Gloucester. He served in Parliament during the last two years of King Charles II's rule.

Viscount Dursley supported his father in opposing King James II during the Glorious Revolution. This was a big change in how England was governed. After this, he received many important jobs.

Serving the Country Abroad

In 1689, he was called to the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. He was then sent as an Envoy Extraordinary to Spain in May 1689. This meant he was a special representative for Britain in Spain. From August 1689 to 1695, he served as the Ambassador to the United Provinces (which is now the Netherlands). These roles were very important for building relationships between countries.

Key Roles in England

While serving abroad, Charles Berkeley also held important positions at home. In July 1689, he became the Custos Rotulorum of Gloucestershire. This was a senior legal role in the county of Gloucestershire, a position his father had also held.

In 1694, he was made a Privy Councillor. This meant he was a trusted advisor to the King. Soon after, he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire. This role involved representing the King in the county and leading the local militia.

The next year, he became the High Steward of the City of Gloucester. In 1697, he was made Constable of St Briavel's Castle, an old castle in Gloucestershire. As Lord-Lieutenant, he was also a Colonel in the Gloucester Militia Horse, a local military force.

Becoming Earl of Berkeley

In 1698, Charles Berkeley became the 2nd Earl of Berkeley after his father passed away. He also took over his father's role as Custos Rotulorum of Surrey in 1699.

During his time as one of the Lords Justices in Dublin (1699–1700), his eldest son, Charles, Viscount Dursley, sadly died from smallpox. His daughter, Lady Penelope, also passed away that same year.

In 1702, his appointment as Constable of St Briavel's Castle was renewed. He was also made Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Warden of the Forest of Dean.

Charles Berkeley died in 1710. His eldest surviving son, James, who was a naval officer, became the 3rd Earl of Berkeley and took over his father's other important roles.

Family Life

Charles Berkeley married Hon. Elizabeth Noel on August 16, 1677. She was the daughter of Baptist Noel, 3rd Viscount Campden. They had four sons and three daughters together:

• Charles Berkeley, Viscount Dursley (1679 – 1699)
• James Berkeley, 3rd Earl of Berkeley (after 1679 – 1736)
• Col. Hon. Henry Berkeley (around 1690 – 1736), who married Mary Cornewall and had children.
• Hon. George Berkeley (after 1680 – 1746), who married Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk, but they did not have children.
• Lady Mary Berkeley, who married Thomas Chambers and had children:
  • Mary Chambers, who married Vere Beauclerk, 1st Baron Vere.
  • Anne Chambers, who married Richard Grenville-Temple, 2nd Earl Temple.
• Lady Elizabeth Berkeley (died 1769), who married Sir John Germain, 1st Baronet, but they did not have children.
• Lady Penelope Berkeley (died 1699)

After Charles Berkeley passed away, his wife, the Dowager Countess of Berkeley, helped pay for the rebuilding of St Dunstan's Church in Cranford in 1716. She also provided a beautiful marble font for the church.

Images for kids

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  Lady Mary Berkeley