Rockingham Becomes Prime Minister

Background. Rockingham was a leading Whig grandee and political patron of the Rockingham Whigs, whom he held together through long years out of office. He had previously served as Prime Minister following the dismissal of Grenville in 1765, appointed after negotiations conducted through the king's uncle, the Duke of Cumberland.

The 1782 Ministerial Changes. The ministerial changes of 1782 involved a more extensive upheaval among office-holders than any since 1714, virtually replacing one administration with another drawn from opposition. Rockingham was appointed prime minister for a second time, with Charles James Fox and Lord Shelburne as Secretaries of State.

Policy Direction. Upon taking office, Rockingham pushed for an acknowledgement of the independence of the United States, initiating an end to British involvement in the American War of Independence. His administration also saw the passage of Gilbert's Act, the Relief of the Poor Act 1782, creating unions of civil parishes to provide outdoor relief and set up workhouses.