H.M. Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson
James Saunders Watson was born in 1961 in Gloucester and spent his early years in Hampshire, Dartmouth and Bermuda, before moving to Rockingham Castle in 1971 when his father inherited the Estate from his Great Uncle.
James has had a varied career primarily in the asset management industry with Fleming Investment Management and latterly JPMorgan Asset Management. He is currently a partner in Warhorse Partners, a brand, communications and marketing consultancy. Prior to his City career he served ten years in the Royal Navy as a Seaman Officer.
In 1999 James, Lizzie and their children moved to Rockingham Castle. Together they manage the Estate, which includes a portfolio of agricultural, commercial and residential property, an arable farming operation and the visitor attraction associated with Castle and its Park, including events such as the Rockingham International Horse Trials.
James is a Board member of Historic Houses, a Trustee of the Country Land and Business Association Pension Fund and a Council Member and Trustee of The White Ensign Association. He is also a trustee of Royal Navy Rugby Union and The Teamwork Trust. He has previously been a Director of the Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership and chaired both the Corby and North Northamptonshire Landowner Groups. For 15 years he was a Council Member of Seafarers UK and chairman of the Finance and Investment Committee. He is also on the Court of the Worshipful Company of Founders, which helps him to maintain links with the City.
James was High Sheriff for Northamptonshire from April 2018 – April 2019.