This was founded in York, England and had its first meeting on 23 December 1753 in the George Inn, York.
It was named after 'Lord Rockingham' (Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, KG, PC (13 May 1730 - 1 July 1782)), who during his term of office as British Prime Minister repealed the Stamp Act, reducing the tax burden on the American colonies.