Charles Berkeley was a well-known figure in sporting and social circles in Cardiff with the son of the vicar of Southminster playing for Cardiff CC and the South Wales CC, besides acting as the scorer of Glamorgan CCC during their early years in first-class cricket during the 1920s – a role he had also played at Cardiff during their years as a MInor County.
Educated in Exeter at Radford House School, Charles trained to be an accountant before moving in 1873 to Cardiff and working in the office of his uncle, John Corbett, who was one of the key figures in the team of land agents, solicitors and administrators who worked for the Bute Estate and looked after the best interests of the Marquess who lived, for part of the year, in Cardiff Castle.
Opposite: Photo Credit – Glmaorgan CRicket Archives.
Charles, or “Uncle” as he was known to all and sundry, joined Cardiff CC and showed great promise as a spin bowler, claiming six wickets in the club’s victory over Sneyd Park in 1878. The following May he was also chosen in the South Wales Cricket Club’s team which travelled to Bristol to play the Clifton club, with Charles scoring 5 and 0 besides claiming a solitary wicket.
In 1880 he played for Cardiff CC against the United South of England at the Arms Park, before in August 1881, he was given by the Bute Estate the responsibility of organizing the variety of sporting events which took place in Cathays Park to celebrate the birth of the Fourth Marquess. He then had a brief sojourn in Rutland during which he played for the Midlands county against the MCC at Lord’s, before returning to Cardiff in 1884 and setting up his own accountancy business.
Charles also set up home with his wife Emily, at The Wynyards in Plymouth Road, Penarth and acted as Secretary of a number of organisations, including the Park Hall Company, the Cardiff Proprietary School Company, the Roath Sanitary Steam Laundry Company as well as, from 1891, serving a Secretary of the Cardiff and County Club whose had recently moved to an impressive new property in Westgate Street and overlooking the Arms Park – a perfect location where Charles could socialize with his many friends.
Between 1891 and 1923 Charles also acted as Secretary of the Cardiff Horse Show which took place each year in Sophia Gardens and was one of the largest provincial shows in the UK. Charles was also a noted breeder of dachshunds and salso served as Chair of the Cardiff and South Wales Kennel Club. In later life he also acted as President of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Society of Incorporated Accountants and Auditors.