Henry FitzHardinge Berkeley

Francis Henry FitzHardinge Berkeley (7 December 1794 – 10 March 1870) was a British politician.

Background and education

Berkeley was the fourth son of Frederick Berkeley, 5th Earl of Berkeley, and Mary, daughter of William Cole. The validity of his parents' marriage was the subject of some controversy, and in 1811 the House of Lords decided that Berkeley and six of his twelve siblings were born out of wedlock. His brothers included William Berkeley, 1st Earl FitzHardinge, Maurice Berkeley, 1st Baron FitzHardinge, Grantley Berkeley and Craven Berkeley. He was educated at Christ Church, Oxford.

Political career

Berkeley was returned to Parliament as one of two representatives for Bristol in 1837, a seat he held until his death in 1870. He was a longstanding advocate of secret ballot reform, which was finally adopted after his death in 1872.

Personal life

Berkeley died in March 1870, aged 75. And is buried in St Dunstan's churchyard in Cranford, Middlesex.

References

External links

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by
Sir Richard Vyvyan, Bt
Philip John Miles
Member of Parliament for Bristol
18371870
With: Philip William Skinner Miles 18371852
Henry Gore-Langton 18521865
Sir Samuel Peto, Bt 18651868
John William Miles 1868
Samuel Morley 18681870
Succeeded by
Samuel Morley
Kirkman Daniel Hodgson