Berkshire in Trelawny, Jamaica was originally owned by Richard Brissett who also owned Hampshire and was in charge of the newly formed Trelawny parish in 1771/2 until the vestry was elected. He was the first member of the House of Assembly for Trelawny.

The Brissetts were related to Tharp according to the Tharp Papers which include a letter from "Joseph & George Brissett of Jamaica to John Tharp senr. their uncle. Letters relating to family matters, particularly separation of Eliza (née Tharp) from her husband, Rev. Philipson and to conditions in Jamaica."