Admiral Charles Middleton, 1st Baron Barham

Having served in the navy Middleton was comptroller of the navy from 1778 to 1790, "standing out through that period of inept administration as the pillar of the service." In April 1805, at a most critical time, he was, although eighty years of age, appointed first lord of the admiralty by Pitt and was created Lord Barham. It has been usual to regard Barham as a cipher at the admiralty board, but more recent research, especially an examination of the Barham Papers, has proved this to be the reverse of the truth. He enjoyed the absolute confidence of Pitt, and it was his experience, industry and energy which made possible the great campaign which ended at Trafalgar. He resigned office in January 1806 and died on the 17th of January 1813. His barony passed through his daughter Diana (1762-1823) to the Noels, earls of Gainsborough, by whom it is still held. The Barham Papers are being edited by Sir J. K. Laughton (vol. i. 1907; vol. ii. 1910). See also J. S. Corbett, The Campaign of Trafalgar (1910).

Source: http://www.theodora.com/encyclopedia/m2/earls_of_middleton.html More information: http://www.jjhc.info/MarshGeorge1800CharlesMiddletonBarham.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Middleton,_1st_Baron_Barham Complete baronetage; Cokayne, George E. (George Edward); 1906; Vol. V; page 216

• The Pen and Ink Sailor: Charles Middleton and the King's Navy, 1778-1813.