William Berkeley (Royal Navy officer)
| The Hon. Sir William Berkeley | |
|---|---|
Vice-Admiral Sir William Berkeley, part of the Flagmen of Lowestoft series by Sir Peter Lely
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| Born | 1639 |
| Died | 1 June 1666 (aged 26–27) Aboard HMS Swiftsure during the Four Days' Battle |
| Buried at | Westminster Abbey |
| Allegiance |
 Kingdom of England
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| Service/branch |
 Royal Navy
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| Years of service | Finished 1666 |
| Rank | Vice-Admiral of the Blue |
| Commands held | |
| Battles/wars | |
| Relations | |
The Hon. Sir William Berkeley (1639 – 1 June 1666) was an officer of the Royal Navy who saw service during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, rising to the rank of vice-admiral.
Berkeley was born into a noble family, one of the younger sons of a courtier of King Charles II, and a younger brother of one of the King's favourites. William joined the Royal Navy and enjoyed a meteoric rise owing to these important sources of patronage, something he himself acknowledged. After service in the Mediterranean, and time spent commanding his own ships, he was advanced to flag rank and joined the Royal fleets assembling for battle during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. He was a junior flag officer at the Battle of Lowestoft in 1665, during which his brother was killed. Caustic comments were made about his conduct, including by the poet and satirist Andrew Marvell.
Determined to answer his critics, Berkeley, by now promoted to vice-admiral and leading the van at the Four Days' Battle, took his ship into the thick of the fighting, and was surrounded by Dutch ships. Cut off from support he fought fiercely, but his ship was overwhelmed and captured, with Berkeley being killed in the action. His body was taken to the Netherlands and embalmed, before being returned to England and interred in Westminster Abbey. Accusations of cowardice pursued him even after his death, but later biographies have been more sympathetic.
Berkeley was born in 1639, the third son of Charles Berkeley, and his wife Penelope Godolphin. Charles Berkeley was the treasurer of the household to King Charles II, and had powerful political connections which would ensure the rapid rise of his sons to positions of prominence. William's elder brother, Charles, was also a prominent courtier, who used his influence to promote William's rise. William entered the navy, becoming lieutenant of HMS Swiftsure on 4 April 1661 and serving aboard her until April 1662. He benefited from his relationship to his brother, one of the closest friends of King Charles II and the Lord High Admiral, James, Duke of York. Rapid promotion followed, with Berkeley being appointed captain of HMS Assistance that April. He served in command of her until August 1662, when he moved to HMS Bonaventure, and later had the commands of HMS Bristol and HMS Resolution.
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