'have to' & 'have got to'

As I know, 'have got to' and 'got to' are frequetly used both in Ameria and Britain. Someone says 'have got to' came to be used in America earlier than in Britain. And just a minute ago, I was asked if 'have got to' is an American expression. Maybe what the answer is doesn't make a big difference. But I just wonder where the expression came first.

I would really appreciate your help!