J2M

Thomas Wentworth
Earl of Stratford
1593-1641

Called by Macaulay the "archangel of the apostacy" , this able, ambitious Yorkshireman first led the House of Commons in operation to Charles I, then, as governor of Ireland, served the King with unrelenting zeal. His unforgiving associates in Parliament turned on him when, after eleven years, they met again. At a famous trial he rebutted their charges with eloquence and skill but the King basely abandoned him to his death. He was be-headed.

Charles Watson-Wentworth
2nd Marquess of Rockingham
1730-1782

Statesman; Prime Minister, 1765-6 and 1782. As a boy he secretly joined in pursuit of the "Young Pretender". A Whig by upbringing and conviction, he fought against the personal influence of the Crown, but was continually defeated by the Court party. He strove with Chatham to avert the American War and urged independence of the Colonies. His absence of self-interest is perhaps the main reason for his predominance.