James Berkeley, 3rd Earl Of Berkeley

James Berkeley, 3rd Earl of Berkeley (circa 1679 – 17 August 1736), was an English Royal Navy officer and peer. He was the son of Charles Berkeley, 2nd Earl of Berkeley, and held the courtesy title of Viscount Dursley prior to inheriting the earldom in 1710.

Berkeley began his naval career with his commission as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy on 10 March 1699. He was promoted to the rank of captain on 2 April 1701. In addition to his naval service, Berkeley was a Member of Parliament for Gloucester from 1701 to 1702.

During his early naval service, Berkeley participated in the battle off Málaga under Admiral Sir George Rooke, commanding the ship HMS Boyne. He was summoned to Parliament by writ of acceleration as Baron Berkeley on 5 March 1705, a process allowing him to sit in the House of Lords while holding his peerage.

Berkeley commanded the HMS St George in 1706 and narrowly escaped the naval disaster off Scilly on 23 October 1707, in which Sir Cloudesley Shovell in HMS Association was lost. The St George ran aground on the same ledge as the Association but was recovered with the next wave. It is suggested that Berkeley presented Shovell with an emerald ring, which became a notable element in legends surrounding the disaster.

Following the death of Sir Clowdesley Shovell, Berkeley received a promotion of flag-officers, which was initially intended for Rear Admiral Robert Fairfax as Vice Admiral of the Blue. However, due to political influence and a change in plans, Berkeley, who was junior to Fairfax, was appointed Vice Admiral of the Blue with seniority dating from 10 January 1708. Later that year, he was promoted to Vice Admiral of the White. In April 1709, Berkeley recaptured HMS Bristol, which had been taken by the French, but the ship sank shortly thereafter. His rank further advanced to Vice Admiral of the Red in December 1709.

Upon the death of his father on 24 September 1710, Berkeley succeeded as the 3rd Earl of Berkeley. In that year, he was appointed High Steward of Gloucester, Warden of the Forest of Dean, Constable of St. Briavel's Castle, and Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire (a position held until 1712, and then again from 1714 to his death). He also became Custos Rotulorum of Surrey, serving until his death. In 1714, alongside his restored offices in Gloucestershire, he was appointed a Lord of the Bedchamber.

Berkeley married Lady Louisa Lennox on 13 February 1711. She was the daughter of Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond, and Anne Brudenell. The marriage produced two children: Augustus Berkeley, born 18 February 1715, who later became the 4th Earl of Berkeley; and Lady Elizabeth Berkeley, born 15 January 1716, who married Anthony Henley in 1728 after running away at a young age. Lady Louisa Lennox died in childbirth on 15 January 1716.

On 16 May 1717, Berkeley was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty, a senior position overseeing the Royal Navy. He also became Vice-Admiral of Great Britain, a civil position. On 31 March 1718, he was created a Knight of the Garter, an order of chivalry.

Berkeley served as First Lord of the Admiralty until 2 August 1727, when he was dismissed for opposing Sir Robert Walpole. At this time, he also resigned as Lord of the Bedchamber. In 1719, he was a principal subscriber to the Royal Academy of Music, an institution dedicated to producing baroque opera.

He died on 17 August 1736 at Château d'Aubigny near Coincy, France, and was buried on 31 October 1736 in Berkeley, Gloucestershire. His son succeeded him as the 4th Earl of Berkeley. His daughter Elizabeth married Anthony Henley in 1728.

Contemporary account described Berkeley as a man of noble family and considerable natural abilities. He was considered haughty and obstinate but honorable and gallant, with little education outside his profession.