Rockingham Charles Watson-wentworth Marquis Of 1730-1782 Born In
Yorkshire, England. Educated at Westminster School and St. John's
College, Cambridge. In 1746 served as a volunteer against the Jacobites.
In 1765 premier of a coalition ministry opposed to royal grants and
general warrants; from 1768 to 1781 leader of the opposition in the
House of Lords, during which time supported the proposals to grant
independence to the American colonies. In 1782 again became prime
minister. Throughout his political career upheld the contentions of the
American colonists, and opposed to royal encroachments. =Index=: (Lord Dorchester era)
Forms Cabinet, 192. =Bib.=: Dict. Nat. Biog.