Edward Watson

Edward Watson, 2nd Baron Rockingham, was born on 30 June 1630. He was an English landowner and peer, the only surviving son of Lewis Watson, 1st Baron Rockingham (baptized in 1584, died in 1653), and his second wife, Eleanor Manners (1629–1696). His father was associated with Rockingham Castle, and his mother was the daughter of Sir George Manners of Haddon Hall and Grace Pierrepont, daughter of Sir Henry Pierrepont.

In 1660, Edward Watson took his seat in the House of Lords as a member of the Whig political party. During the same year, he served as Keeper of Corby Woods in Rockingham Forest. He asserted claims of ownership over the manor of Little Weldon, and sought to serve as Master of the Buckhounds at the coronations of King Charles II and King James II; however, these claims were not approved.

On 13 November 1654, Watson married Anne Wentworth at St. Giles's-in-the-Fields. Anne Wentworth was born in 1629 and died in 1696; she was the daughter of Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford (1593–1641), and Arabella Holles, who was the daughter of John Holles, 1st Earl of Clare.

Edward and Anne had eight children: four sons and four daughters. Their children included:

- Lewis Watson, who became the 1st Earl of Rockingham, and was married to Catherine Sondes, daughter of George Sondes, 1st Earl of Feversham.

- Edward Watson, born 4 February 1657 and died 2 February 1676.

- Thomas Watson (17 June 1665 – 6 October 1723), who married Anne Proby, daughter of Sir Thomas Proby of Elton Hall.

- George Watson, born 26 December 1669, died unmarried.

- Eleanor Watson (born 26 February 1659), married Thomas Leigh, 2nd Baron Leigh of Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, on 23 October 1679.

- Arabella Watson (born 18 March 1661, died 1734), married Sir Thomas Oxenden.

- Anne Watson, born 4 February 1663, died unmarried.

- Margaret Watson (22 November 1667 – 3 February 1714).

Edward Watson died on 22 June 1689 and was buried at Rockingham on 26 June 1689. His wife, Anne Wentworth, died on 2 January 1696 and was buried with him on 8 January 1696 at Rockingham.

He was succeeded as Baron Rockingham by his son Lewis, who was later created Earl of Rockingham.