Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham

Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham (1730-82), British statesman, born probably in London, and educated at the University of Cambridge. A holder of several previous offices, he was made prime minister in 1765. His government is best known for its repeal of the Stamp Act and its passage of other measures to conciliate the American colonies. In 1766 he resigned the ministry; for many years Rockingham was an opponent of the policies of Lord North (prime minister from 1770 to 1782) and King George III. These policies were antagonistic to the American colonies and provoked the American Revolution (1775-83). Throughout North's ministry Rockingham showed friendship for America. On the resignation of North in March 1782, following the surrender of the British forces in America, Rockingham again became prime minister. He had begun peace negotiations with the American colonists, four months after taking office, when he died.