Charles Middleton, 1st Baron Barham (October 14, 1726) - (June 17, 1813) was a British sailor and politician. Born in Leith, Scotland, Middleton entered the Royal Navy at a young age and became Lieutenant in 1745. In 1758, he was promoted Post_Captain, and three years later distinguished himself in the West Indies while in command of HMS Emerald. He was appointed Comptroller of the Navy in 1778, a post he held for twelve years, and in 1781 was created a baronet, with a special remainder, failing his male issue, to his son in law.

In 1784, Sir Charles Middleton was elected Tory Member of Parliament for Rochester, a seat he held for six years, and three years later was promoted Rear Admiral. By 1793 a Vice Admiral, he was the following year made a Lord of the Admiralty, and in 1795 became Admiral of the Blue. He was finally, in 1805, appointed First Lord of the Admiralty, and was created Baron Barham, of Barham Court and Teston in the County of Kent, with a special remainder, failing his male issue, to his only daughter and her heirs male.

In September 1805, Lord Barham attained the rank of Admiral of the Red. He died eight years later aged 86 at his home of Barham Court.