Henry Berkeley, 7th Baron Berkeley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Henry Berkeley
7th Baron Berkeley
Remains of Caludon Castle, once the home of Henry Berkeley, 7th Baron Berkeley
Spouse(s)	Katherine Howard Jane Stanhope
Issue
Thomas Berkeley
Noble family	Berkeley
Father	Thomas Berkeley, 6th Baron Berkeley
Mother	Anne Savage
Born	26 November 1534
Died	26 November 1613 Caludon, Warwickshire, England
Burial	Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England

Henry Berkeley, the 7th Baron Berkeley (born 26 November 1534 – died 26 November 1613), was an important English nobleman and politician. He was also a Knight of the Bath. He served as the Lord Lieutenant and Vice-Admiral for the county of Gloucestershire. He was the grandfather of George Berkeley, 8th Baron Berkeley.

Henry Berkeley's Early Life

Henry Berkeley was born on 26 November 1534. He was born nine weeks after his father, Thomas Berkeley, the 6th Baron Berkeley, had passed away. This is why he was sometimes called 'Posthumous Henry'. His mother was Anne Savage. Henry's father had been married before, but he did not have any children with his first wife.

Henry Berkeley's Career and Estates

Henry Berkeley became a Knight of the Bath on 28 September 1553. This happened during the coronation of Queen Mary I. A Knight of the Bath is a special honour given by the monarch.

Returning Berkeley Castle

In 1554, Berkeley Castle and other family lands were given back to Henry. These lands had been given to King Henry VII and his male heirs many years before. However, the king's family line had ended with King Edward VI. So, the lands were returned to Henry, the 7th Lord Berkeley. He officially took control of his lands on 13 May 1555, even though he was still quite young.

Rebuilding Caludon Castle

Around 1580, Henry Berkeley is believed to have rebuilt Caludon Castle. This castle had fallen into disrepair. It had been damaged after Thomas Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk, was sent away from England in 1398.

Serving Gloucestershire

From 1603 until his death, Henry served as the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire. This was a very important role. A Lord Lieutenant was the monarch's personal representative in a county.

Later Life and Inheritance

Henry Berkeley died on 26 November 1613. He left behind a will dated 20 December 1612. His grandson, George Berkeley, 8th Baron Berkeley, took over as the 8th Baron. However, the family's wealth was much smaller by then. Henry had spent a lot of money. He also ended a long legal dispute over the family's estates. Because of this, the family's large estate became much smaller. It was reduced to about 25 smaller estates, mainly in Gloucestershire.

Henry Berkeley's Marriages and Children

Henry Berkeley was married two times during his life.

First Marriage to Katherine Howard

Henry first married Katherine Howard in September 1554. She was the daughter of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. Katherine died on 7 April 1596. She was buried near the Drapers Chapel in St Michael's, Coventry.

Katherine was known for her love of outdoor sports. She was a very good archer with a longbow. People said her team never lost when she was playing. She also enjoyed falconry, which is hunting with trained birds. She even kept small falcons called merlins in her own room!

Henry and Katherine had three children:

• Sir Thomas Berkeley (1575-1611): He died before his father. Thomas had a son named George, who later became the 8th Baron Berkeley.
• Mary (born 1557): She married John Zouche.
• Frances (1561-1595): She married George Shirley. They had a son named Sir Henry Shirley.

Second Marriage to Jane Stanhope

Henry married for a second time on 9 March 1598. His second wife was Jane Stanhope. Jane was the widow of Sir Roger Townshend. She had two sons from her first marriage. Jane died on 3 January 1618.

Images for kids

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  Berkeley Castle today