Montagu

Montagu. The illustrious family of Montagu springs from Drogo de Montacute, who came from Normandy with the Conqueror. Sixth in descent from him was Simon de Montacute, grandfather of the William de Montacute created Earl of Salisbury in 1337, many of whose successors have been great historical personages. The subsequent family of Montagu descended from Simon (younger brother of the third Earl of Salisbury), who was the ancestor of Sir Edward Montagu, Speaker of the House of Commons and afterwards Lord Chief-justice, who died in 1557. His son, Sir Edward Montagu of Boughton, had six sons; Edward, the eldest, was made Baron Montagu of Boughton; and his grandson Ralph, third baron, was (1689) created Earl of Montagu, and in 1705 Duke of Montagu. In his son John the male line of the first Baron Montagu became extinct. The third son of Edward of Boughton was Sir Henry Montagu, the famous lawyer and orator, who was Lord Chief-justice, and created Lord Montagu of Kimbolton, and afterwards (temp. Charles I.) Earl of Manchester (q.v.). His son (second earl) was a general in the parliamentary army, who gained distinction by his victory over Prince Rupert at Marston Moor, but subsequently gave in his adhesion to Charles II. on his restoration. The fourth Earl of Manchester was an enthusiastic follower of William III., fighting with him at the battle of the Boyne, and taking part in the siege of Limerick; he was eventually created Duke of Manchester in 1719 by George I. His descendant, the eighth duke, succeeded in 1890. The sixth son of Edward of Broughton was Sir Sydney Montagu, whose son, Edward, was a considerable mathematician, and serving first in the army, then in the navy, became the first sole commander of the English navy, and was created by Charles II. Lord Montagu of St Neots, Viscount Hinchinbroke, and Earl of Sandwich. His descendant, the eighth earl, succeeded in 1884.