Berkeley Sheffield

Sir Berkeley Digby George Sheffield, 6th Baronet, DL, was born on January 19, 1876, in London. He was the son of Sir Robert Sheffield, 5th Baronet, of Normanby Hall. Sheffield succeeded to the baronetcy in 1886 upon his father's death.

He received education at Eton College, followed by studies in France and Germany. His military service included positions with the Lincolnshire Regiment and the Yeomanry. Additionally, he was involved in diplomatic service and worked within the Foreign Office.

On July 19, 1904, Sheffield married Baroness Julie Marie (Julia Mary) de Tuyll van Serooskerken in The Hague. She was the daughter of Baron Reginald de Tuyll van Serooskerken and Countess Anna Mathilda van Limburg-Stirum, who was reportedly an illegitimate daughter of William III of the Netherlands. Lady Sheffield was appointed Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and was a Lady of Grace of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. The couple had five children, including one daughter and four sons, among whom was George Berkeley Sheffield.

During the First World War, Sheffield served as a Captain in the Lincolnshire Yeomanry. His public service career included serving as a director of the Great Central Railway from 1908 until the railway’s merger with the London and North Eastern Railway in 1923.

In politics, Sheffield was a member of Lindsey County Council from 1902 to 1906 and served as an alderman from 1908 to 1915. He was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in 1905. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Brigg in February 1907 and served until he was defeated in the February 1910 election. He was re-elected for Brigg in 1922 and remained in Parliament until his defeat in May 1929.

He held the position of Justice of the Peace in Lincolnshire. In 1936, Sheffield was elected as the first mayor of Scunthorpe, following the borough's charter grant. He also held the title of Deputy Lieutenant of Lincolnshire.

Sheffield resided at 8 South Audley Street in London and was a member of several clubs, including the Turf Club, the Jockey Club, the Orleans Club, and the Beefsteak Club.

He is recognized as an ancestor to notable descendants, including Cara Delevingne, a model and actress, and Samantha Cameron, wife of former UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

Sir Berkeley Sheffield died on November 26, 1946.