William G. Benham

Elizabeth Berkeley, born into nobility in London, became a notable figure in Georgian society, known for her literary and theatrical pursuits. Despite a tumultuous personal life, including a marriage at sixteen and subsequent separation, she traveled extensively and engaged with European courts. Her literary output included plays, travelogues, and memoirs, some of which were performed professionally and published to varying degrees of success. She cultivated friendships with prominent literary figures of her time, such as Horace Walpole, who supported her early work. Her life culminated in a morganatic title and a period of social prominence, though not without social challenges. She died in Naples and is remembered through place names and a monument.

Born Lady Elizabeth Berkeley in London, she was the fifth child of the 4th Earl of Berkeley. Her early life was marked by societal expectations and familial connections within the aristocracy. At the young age of sixteen, against her will, she was married to William Craven, the 6th Baron Craven. This union produced seven children over thirteen years, but was ultimately characterized by separation in 1780, following reported affairs on both sides.

Following her separation from Lord Craven, Elizabeth embarked on extensive travels across the Continent, primarily residing in France. She maintained a relationship with her youngest son, Richard, during this period. A significant romantic connection developed with Alexander, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach. After the death of both her first husband and the Margrave's wife, Elizabeth and Alexander married in Lisbon in 1791 and settled in England. Despite their union, she faced social exclusion from certain circles and royalty, though they lived an opulent lifestyle.

Elizabeth Craven was an active author and playwright. Her early works included light farces, pantomimes, and fables, some of which were performed in London. She was acquainted with literary figures like Samuel Johnson and James Boswell, and developed a close friendship with Horace Walpole, who published some of her writings. Her published works spanned various genres, including translated plays, travel accounts like 'A Journey Through the Crimea to Constantinople,' and memoirs. Some of her plays, such as 'The Miniature Picture' and 'The Princess of Georgia,' were staged professionally.

Elizabeth was granted the morganatic title of "Princess (Fürstin) Berkeley" by Holy Roman Emperor Francis II in 1801, though she was never legally entitled to her husband's German rank. She and the Margrave were commonly known as the Margrave and Margravine of Brandenburg-Ansbach. After the Margrave's death in 1806, she relocated to Naples, where she resided at Craven Villa and was eventually buried in the English Cemetery. Her association with Hammersmith, London, is remembered through street names.