Robert Berkeley, MP

Family and Education b. 1566, 4th s. of Sir Maurice Berkeley I by his 2nd w; half-bro. of Henry Berkeley II and Edward. educ. Magdalen Coll. Oxf. 1579; L. Inn 1584. m. Elizabeth, 5s. 3da.1

Offices Held

Biography On his father’s death in 1581 Berkeley received the manor of Pattenden, where he lived until his own death, the manor however being alienated to one William Beswick sometime during the reign of Elizabeth. His will mentions only land and hereditaments. There is no evidence to show how he obtained the senior seat at Chippenham in Elizabeth’s last Parliament; perhaps it was due to a Pembroke connexion since the 2nd Earl appears to have helped Berkeley’s half-brother Edward to his seat at Old Sarum in 1586. Berkeley died in 1614 and was buried in the nave of Christ Church, Canterbury. In his will, made 27 May 1614 and proved 13 June 1616, he bequeathed his soul to the mercies of God, declaring that he would not sew his ‘monstrous and filthy rags to the garment’ of Christ’s righteousness. His eldest daughter Anne received silver plate and the assurance of a good marriage to be arranged by his aunt, and the other daughters were each to receive £300 at the age of 18 and an annuity of £10 until that time. The four younger sons were to receive £200 apiece at the age of 24. Berkeley provided 20s. for each servant and £10 for the poor.2

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603 Author: W.J.J.