Middleton, Charles
| Dates | 1740s-1813 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Portsmouth, Teston (Kent) | ||
| Vocation | Naval officer | ||
| Place of Birth | Leith | ||
| Marriage | Margaret Gambier | ||
| Issue | Diana | ||
| Place of birth | Source | Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |
Entered the Royal Navy (1741), passed lieutenant's examination (1745) and served mainly in the Channel or on the west coast of Africa. Placed on half pay in 1749 but received a commission in 1753 for service between Portsmouth and Gibraltar (1753-63). After his marriage in 1761, spent the next twelve years living as a country gentleman in Kent. Rejoined navy on the outbreak of the American War of Independence (1775), particularly in an administrative capacity (from 1778). When the war finished, Middleton remained in the post and turned his attention to naval reform, a task which kept him busy until the end of his life. Elected MP for Rochester (1784) and was a loyal supporter of William Pit and Henry Dundas. Rewarded with a peerage, becoming Baron Barham of Teston (1805). Died 1813.
