George Berkeley, 8th Baron Berkeley facts for kids

George Berkeley (1601 – 10 August 1658) was an important English nobleman in the 1600s. He was known for supporting writers and artists of his time. He held the title of the 8th Baron Berkeley.

George Berkeley's Family History

George Berkeley was born in 1601 in Leyton, Essex. He was the only son of Sir Thomas Berkeley and Elizabeth Carey. His mother, Elizabeth, was the only child of George Carey, 2nd Baron Hunsdon.

George's grandfather was Henry Berkeley, 7th Baron Berkeley. Henry's first wife was Katherine Howard. This means George had connections to many important families of the time.

Life and Achievements of George Berkeley

George Berkeley spent his childhood in Warwickshire. He was taught by famous scholars like Philemon Holland.

Becoming a Baron

When his grandfather, Henry Berkeley, passed away in 1613, George became the 8th Baron Berkeley. This meant he inherited several titles, including Baron Berkeley of Berkeley. His family's main home was Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire.

In 1616, George was made a Knight of the Order of the Bath. This was a special honor given when Prince Charles became the Prince of Wales. George studied at Christ Church, Oxford, and earned his Master's degree in 1623. Later, in 1633, he joined the Council of Wales and the Marches.

Supporting Writers and Artists

George Berkeley was a big supporter of writers during the Jacobean and Caroline eras. Many important authors dedicated their books and plays to him. They did this to thank him for his help or to hope for his support.

• Robert Burton dedicated his famous book, The Anatomy of Melancholy, to George Berkeley in 1621.
• Philip Massinger dedicated his play The Renegado to him in 1630.
• James Shirley dedicated his play The Young Admiral in 1637.
• John Webster dedicated his play The Duchess of Malfi to Berkeley in 1623.

George Berkeley's family had a long history of supporting literature. His mother's father had supported the Lord Chamberlain's Men, which was the acting company of William Shakespeare. George himself was known as a "friend of the King's Men", another famous acting group.

Succession

George Berkeley passed away in 1658. His second son, also named George Berkeley, became the 9th Baron Berkeley after him.

Sometimes, in old writings, George Berkeley was called George Harding. This was because of his family connections.

Marriage and Children

George Berkeley married Elizabeth Stanhope on 13 April 1614. Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir Michael Stanhope.

George and Elizabeth had three children:

• Charles (1623–1641) – He sadly drowned while returning from France.
• Elizabeth (1624–1661) – She married Edward Coke.
• George Berkeley, 1st Earl of Berkeley – He later became the 1st Earl of Berkeley.