Maurice Berkeley (died 1617) facts for kids

Maurice Berkeley (born around 1576, died 1617) was an important English landowner and gentleman. He lived at Bruton Abbey in Somerset. Maurice Berkeley was also a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to represent people in the House of Commons. He served in Parliament at different times between 1597 and 1614.

Who Was Maurice Berkeley?

Maurice Berkeley was the oldest son of Sir Henry Berkeley (who died in 1601). His mother was Margaret Lygon (who died in 1616). Margaret was also related to an earlier Maurice, Lord Berkeley.

Maurice had two younger brothers: Henry Berkeley and Edward Berkeley. Henry also became a Member of Parliament. Maurice also had a half-brother named Thomas Russell. Thomas was famous for being involved with the will of the famous writer William Shakespeare.

His Education and Early Life

Maurice Berkeley started studying at Queen's College, Oxford, when he was about 13 years old. This was in 1590. His younger brother Henry also joined the college with him. Maurice finished his studies in 1593. After that, he joined the Middle Temple in 1594. This was a place where people studied law.

Maurice's father had some disagreements with a powerful person called the Earl of Pembroke. The Queen herself and a special court had to get involved. However, Maurice seemed to stay out of these family arguments.

Adventures and Politics

In 1596, Maurice Berkeley went on a military trip to Cadiz with a leader named Essex. He might have also traveled to France in 1598 with his cousin, Sir Robert Cecil. Later that year, he asked for a job in the military.

In 1601, Maurice took over his father's estates after his father passed away.

Maurice Berkeley was elected to Parliament several times:

• In 1597, he represented Truro.
• In 1601, he represented Somerset.
• In 1604, he represented Minehead.
• In 1614, he was again elected for Somerset.

His Family Life

Maurice Berkeley married Elizabeth Killigrew. She was the oldest daughter of Sir William Killigrew. Sir William was an important person at the courts of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. He held many important jobs, including being a "Groom of the Privy Chamber." This meant he was a close attendant to the King.

Maurice and Elizabeth Berkeley had five sons and two daughters:

• Charles Berkeley, 2nd Viscount Fitzhardinge, who inherited his father's estates.
• Henry Berkeley
• Maurice Berkeley
• Sir William Berkeley, who later became the Governor of Virginia in America.
• John Berkeley, 1st Baron Berkeley of Stratton. He was given a special title because of his role in the Battle of Stratton. This battle was fought in Cornwall in 1643 during the English Civil War.
• Margaret Berkeley
• Jane Berkeley

His Later Years and Death

Maurice Berkeley's mother passed away in late 1616. She left him some of her belongings and her wedding ring. Maurice himself died just a few months later, in May 1617. He left his home, Bruton Abbey, to his oldest son, Charles.