Thomas Watson-Wentworth, 1st Marquess of Rockingham facts for kids
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Thomas Watson-Wentworth, 1st Marquess of Rockingham (born November 13, 1693 – died December 14, 1750) was an important British politician. He was a member of the Whig political group. He lived at Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire, England. He served in the British House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament. Later, he became a Lord and was given the title of Baron Malton.
Thomas Watson-Wentworth's Early Years
Thomas Watson-Wentworth was born in 1693 in Tidmington. He was the only son of Thomas Watson and Alice Proby. His grandfather was Edward Watson, 2nd Baron Rockingham.
He went to St John's College, Cambridge in 1707 and earned his Master of Arts degree in 1708. In the same year, he bought a house called Hallfield House. In 1716, he married Lady Mary Finch. She was the daughter of Daniel Finch, a very important Earl.
When his father passed away in 1723, Thomas inherited the family home, Wentworth Woodhouse. He then made many changes to the house, giving it the look it has today.
Thomas Watson-Wentworth's Political Career
In 1715, Thomas Watson-Wentworth was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for the area of Malton. He was re-elected without anyone running against him in 1722.
After his father died in 1723, Thomas became a leader for the Whig party in Yorkshire. In 1725, he was made a Knight of the Bath. This is a special honor given by the King.
In 1727, he was elected as an MP for Yorkshire. In 1728, he was given the title of Baron Malton. This meant he left his seat in the House of Commons and moved to the House of Lords.
As Lord Malton, he became a member of the Privy Council of Ireland in 1733. He also served as the Lord Lieutenant of the West Riding of Yorkshire from 1733 to 1750. This was a high-ranking position representing the King in that area.
His titles continued to grow. In 1734, he was made Earl of Malton. Then, in 1746, he became the Marquess of Rockingham. He also inherited the Barony of Rockingham and Rockingham Castle from his cousin earlier in 1746.
Thomas Watson-Wentworth's Family
Lord Rockingham passed away on December 14, 1750. He was buried in York Minster. He and his wife, Lady Mary Finch, had five children:
- William, who was known as Viscount Higham (1728–1739).
- Charles, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham (1730–1782). Charles later became the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
- Lady Anne (died 1769), who married William Fitzwilliam, 3rd Earl Fitzwilliam.
- Lady Mary (1727-1798), who married John Milbanke.
- Lady Charlotte (1732-1810), who never married.
- Lady Henrietta Alicia (born 1737), who married William Sturgeon.
