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) | Lady 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 Lady 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]