Monarch Queen AnneGeorge I Nationality British Preceded by The Earl of Derby Name William 4th | Role Politician Preceded by The Lord Guilford Spouse Frances Temple | |
Succeeded by Heneage Finch, 1st Earl of Aylesford | ||
William Berkeley, 4th Baron Berkeley of Stratton PC, PC (I) (d. 24 March 1741), was a British politician and judge, of the Bruton branch of the Berkeley family. He was Master of the Rolls in Ireland between 1696 and 1731 and also held political office as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster from 1710 to 1714 and as First Lord of Trade from 1714 to 1715.
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Background
Berkeley was a younger son of John Berkeley, 1st Baron Berkeley of Stratton, by Christiana, daughter of Sir Andrew Riccard. John Berkeley, 3rd Baron Berkeley of Stratton was his elder brother.
Political and judicial career
In 1696 Berkeley was appointed Master of the Rolls in Ireland and sworn of the Irish Privy Council. The following year he succeeded his elder brother in the barony. In 1710 he was admitted to the English Privy Council and appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. He was made First Lord of Trade in 1714, a post he held until 1715. He remained Master of the Rolls in Ireland during this period and continued in this post until 1731.
Family
Lord Berkeley of Stratton married Frances, daughter of Sir John Temple. They had several children, including the Honourable Frances, wife of William Byron, 4th Baron Byron and mother of William Byron, 5th Baron Byron and Admiral John Byron. Lady Berkeley of Stratton died in July 1707. Lord Berkeley of Stratton remained a widower until his death at Bruton, Somerset, in March 1741. He was succeeded by his eldest son, John.