Lewis Watson, 1st Earl Of Rockingham

Lewis Watson, 1st Earl of Rockingham (29 December 1655 – 19 March 1724), was an English peer and politician during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was the eldest son of Edward Watson, 2nd Baron Rockingham (born 1630, died 1689), and Anne Wentworth, daughter of Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford.

Watson served as a Member of Parliament representing Canterbury from 1681 to 1685. In 1689, he briefly held a seat for Higham Ferrers. That same year, upon inheriting his father's barony, he vacated his seat in the House of Commons and assumed the peerage as Lord Rockingham.

Throughout his career, Lord Rockingham held various official positions. He was Master of the Buckhounds from 1703 to 1705. In 1705, he was appointed Custos Rotulorum and Lord Lieutenant of Kent, serving in both roles until 1724. Additionally, he was Vice-Admiral of Kent starting in 1705 and Deputy Warden of the Cinque Ports from 1705 to 1708.

In 1714, Lewis Watson was elevated to the peerage as Earl of Rockingham.

In July 1677, he married Lady Catherine Sondes, daughter of George Sondes, 1st Earl of Feversham. Lady Catherine died in 1696 and was buried at Rockingham. Lewis Watson and Lady Catherine Sondes had five surviving children:

- Edward, styled Viscount Sondes (circa 1687 – 20 March 1722), who married Lady Catherine Tufton on 21 March 1708. Lady Catherine Tufton was born on 24 April 1693 and died on 13 February 1733; she was the daughter of Thomas Tufton, 6th Earl of Thanet, and Lady Catherine Cavendish. Edward and Lady Catherine Tufton were the parents of the 2nd and 3rd Earls of Rockingham.

- Catherine Watson (died April 1765), who married Edward Southwell; they were the parents of Edward Southwell, 20th Baron de Clifford.

- Hon. George Watson (24 May 1689 – 1735).

- Lady Margaret Watson (1695–1751), who married John Monson, 1st Baron Monson.

- Lady Mary Watson (died 1737), who married Wray Saunderson.

- Lady Arabella Watson, who married Sir Robert Furnese, 2nd Baronet.

Lewis Watson died on 19 March 1724 and was buried on 1 April at Rockingham. He was succeeded in the earldom by his grandson, also named Lewis Watson.