Lewis Watson | |
---|---|
Earl of Rockingham | |
Coat of arms | |
Reign |
William III Anne George I |
Successor | Lewis Watson, 2nd Earl of Rockingham |
Other titles | |
Born | 29 December 1655 Rockingham Castle |
Baptised | 25 January 1656 |
Died | 19 March 1724 | (aged 68)
Buried | 1 April 1724 Rockingham church |
Noble family | Watson |
Spouse(s) | Catherine Sondes |
Issue |
|
Father | Edward Watson, 2nd Baron Rockingham |
Mother | Anne Wentworth |
Occupation | politician |
Lewis Watson, 1st Earl of Rockingham (29 December 1655 – 19 March 1724) was an English peer and politician. He was the eldest son of Edward Watson, 2nd Baron Rockingham (1630 – 1689) and Anne Wentworth, daughter of Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford. [1]
In 1681–1685, Watson was Whig Member of Parliament for Canterbury and for Higham Ferrers briefly in 1689, before having to leave the Commons on inheriting his father's barony that year. [1] [2]
Lord Rockingham was Master of the Buckhounds in 1703–1705, Custos Rotulorum and Lord Lieutenant of Kent in 1705–1724, Vice-Admiral of Kent in 1705 and Deputy Warden of the Cinque Ports in 1705–1708. In 1714, he was created Earl of Rockingham. [3]
In July 1677, he married Catherine Sondes (d. 1696), a daughter of George Sondes, 1st Earl of Feversham. [3] [4] They had five surviving children: [5]
His wife died on 21 March 1696 and was buried at Rockingham. He died on 19 march 1724 and was buried 1 April at Rockingham. [6] He was succeeded by his grandson, Lewis. [3]