He was a high-minded man with that type of negative virtue which wealth and position make easy. In the midst of a corrupt generation he was too rich to accept a bribe, and too unimaginative to offer one.
- O.A. Sherard: a Life of John Wilkes.

Additional Information on
Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquis of Rockingham (1730-1782)
Whig Prime Minister 1765-1766, 1782
Rockingham was a man of strong Whig opinions, but little intellect. However, as far as the strategists of the Whig party were concerned, Rockingham made up for this lack of brain power with his considerable wealth and electoral influence. During his political career he held office as Lord of the Bedchamber, leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords, first Lord of the Treasury, and was finally made Prime Minister in 1765. In this government the Marquis mortified King George III by repealing the Stamp Act and opposing grants to the King's brothers. In 1766 he resigned and for many years was a leading force in the Opposition to the government of Lord North. During this period he supported the proposals to grant independence to the American colonies, and following the surrender of British forces in America (1782) Rockingham became Prime Minister once again. He died in the same year whilst negotiating for peace with the American colonies.

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