Biography of William Montagu 1618-1706

Paternal Family Tree: Montagu

Maternal Family Tree: Dorothy Giffard 1490-1571

1621 Creation of Peerages

1668 Buckingham Shrewsbury Duel

On 21 Sep 1585 [his father] Edward Montagu 1st Baron Montagu (age 22) and Elizabeth Jeffrey (age 17) were married at Weekley, Northamptonshire.

On 24 Feb 1612 [his father] Edward Montagu 1st Baron Montagu (age 49) and [his mother] Frances Cotton (age 34) were married at Weekley, Northamptonshire.

In 1618 William Montagu was born to Edward Montagu 1st Baron Montagu (age 55) and Frances Cotton (age 40) at Oakley Parsonage, Leicestershire.

In May 1620 [his mother] Frances Cotton (age 42) died.

1621 Creation of Peerages

On 29 Jun 1621 ...

[his father] Edward Montagu 1st Baron Montagu (age 58) was created 1st Baron Montagu of Boughton in Northamptonshire.

Thomas Palmer 1st Baronet (age 81) was created 1st Baronet Palmer of Wingham in Kent. Margaret Poley Lady Palmer (age 79) by marriage Lady Palmer of Wingham in Kent.

On 16 Feb 1625 [his father] Edward Montagu 1st Baron Montagu (age 62) and [his step-mother] Anne Crouch Baroness Montagu (age 52) were married. She by marriage Baroness Montagu of Boughton in Northamptonshire.

On 15 Jun 1644 [his father] Edward Montagu 1st Baron Montagu (age 81) died at the Savoy Hospital. His son [his brother] Edward Montagu 2nd Baron Montagu (age 27) succeeded 2nd Baron Montagu of Boughton in Northamptonshire. Anne Winwood Baroness Montagu by marriage Baroness Montagu of Boughton in Northamptonshire.

On 18 Jun 1646 William Montagu (age 28) and Elizabeth Freman were married.

In 1647 [his wife] Elizabeth Freman died.

On 07 Dec 1651 William Montagu (age 33) and Mary Aubrey were married.

Pepy's Diary. 22 Mar 1660. Up very early and set things in order at my house, and so took leave of Mrs. Crispe and her daughter (who was in bed) and of Mrs. Hunt. Then to my Lord's lodging at the gate and did so there, where Mr. Hawly came to me and I gave him the key of my house to keep, and he went with me to Mr. Crew's (age 62), and there I took my last leave of him. But the weather continuing very bad my Lord would not go to-day. My Lord spent this morning private in sealing of his last will and testament with Mr. W. Mountagu (age 42). After that I went forth about my own business to buy a pair of riding grey serge stockings and sword and belt and hose, and after that took Wotton and Brigden to the Pope's Head Tavern in Chancery Lane, where Gilb. Holland and Shelston were, and we dined and drank a great deal of wine, and they paid all. Strange how these people do now promise me anything; one a rapier, the other a vessel of wine or a gun, and one offered me his silver hatband to do him a courtesy. I pray God to keep me from being proud or too much lifted up hereby.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Mar 1660. Up early, carried my Lord's will in a black box to Mr. William Montagu (age 42) for him to keep for him. Then to the barber's and put on my cravat there. So to my Lord again, who was almost ready to be gone and had staid for me. Hither came Gilb. Holland, and brought me a stick rapier and Shelston a sugar-loaf, and had brought his wife who he said was a very pretty woman to the Ship tavern hard by for me to see but I could not go. Young Reeve also brought me a little perspective glass which I bought for my Lord, it cost me 8s. So after that my Lord in Sir H. Wright's (age 23) coach with Captain Isham (age 32), Mr. Thomas, John Crew, W. Howe, and I in a Hackney to the Tower, where the barges staid for us; my Lord and the Captain in one, and W. Howe and I, &c., in the other, to the Long Reach, where the Swiftsure lay at anchor; (in our way we saw the great breach which the late high water had made, to the loss of many £1000 to the people about Limehouse [Map].) Soon as my Lord on board, the guns went off bravely from the ships. And a little while after comes the Vice-Admiral Lawson (age 45), and seemed very respectful to my Lord, and so did the rest of the Commanders of the frigates that were thereabouts. I to the cabin allotted for me, which was the best that any had that belonged to my Lord. I got out some things out of my chest for writing and to work presently, Mr. Burr and I both. I supped at the deck table with Mr. Sheply. We were late writing of orders for the getting of ships ready, &c.; and also making of others to all the seaports between Hastings and Yarmouth, to stop all dangerous persons that are going or coming between Flanders and there. After that to bed in my cabin, which was but short; however I made shift with it and slept very well, and the weather being good I was not sick at all yet, I know not what I shall be.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Oct 1660. We rose early in the morning to get things ready for My Lord, and Mr. Sheply going to put up his pistols (which were charged with bullets) into the holsters, one of them flew off, and it pleased God that, the mouth of the gun being downwards, it did us no hurt, but I think I never was in more danger in my life, which put me into a great fright. About eight o'clock my Lord went; and going through the garden my Lord met with Mr. William Montagu (age 42), who told him of an estate of land lately come into the King's (age 30) hands, that he had a mind my Lord should beg. To which end my Lord writ a letter presently to my Lord Chancellor (age 51) to do it for him, which (after leave taken of my Lord at White Hall bridge) I did carry to Warwick House to him; and had a fair promise of him, that he would do it this day for my Lord. In my way thither I met the Lord Chancellor (age 51) and all the judges riding on horseback and going to Westminster Hall [Map], it being the first day of the term, which was the first time I ever saw any such solemnity. Having done there I returned to Whitehall, where meeting with my brother Ashwell and his cozen Sam. Ashwell and Mr. Mallard, I took them to the Leg in King Street and gave them a dish of meat for dinner and paid for it. From thence going to Whitehall I met with Catan Stirpin in mourning, who told me that her mistress was lately dead of the small pox, and that herself was now married to Monsieur Petit, as also what her mistress had left her, which was very well. She also took me to her lodging at an Ironmonger's in King Street, which was but very poor, and I found by a letter that she shewed me of her husband's to the King, that he is a right Frenchman, and full of their own projects, he having a design to reform the universities, and to institute schools for the learning of all languages, to speak them naturally and not by rule, which I know will come to nothing. From thence to my Lord's, where I went forth by coach to Mrs. Parker's with my Lady, and so to her house again. From thence I took my Lord's picture, and carried it to Mr. de Cretz to be copied. So to White Hall, where I met Mr. Spong, and went home with him and played, and sang, and eat with him and his mother. After supper we looked over many books, and instruments of his, especially his wooden jack in his chimney, which goes with the smoke, which indeed is very pretty. I found him to be as ingenious and good-natured a man as ever I met with in my life, and cannot admire him enough, he being so plain and illiterate a man as he is. From thence by coach home and to bed, which was welcome to me after a night's absence.

Pepy's Diary. 05 Dec 1660. From thence to Mr. Will. Montagu's (age 42) chamber to have sealed some writings tonight between Sir R. Parkhurst and myself about my Lord's £2000, but he not coming, I went to my father's (age 59) and there found my mother still ill of the stone, and had just newly voided one, which she had let drop into the chimney, and looked and found it to shew it me. From thence home and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 02 Jan 1661. Up early, and being called up to my Lord he did give me many commands in his business. As about taking care to write to my uncle that Mr. Barnewell's papers should be locked up, in case he should die, he being now suspected to be very ill. Also about consulting with Mr. W. Montagu (age 43) for the settling of the £4000 a-year that the King had promised my Lord. As also about getting of Mr. George Montagu (age 38) to be chosen at Huntingdon this next Parliament, &c. That done he to White Hall stairs with much company, and I with him; where we took water for Lambeth, and there coach for Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map].

Pepy's Diary. 02 Jan 1662. An invitation sent us before we were up from my Lady Sandwich's (age 37), to come and dine with her: so at the office all the morning, and at noon thither to dinner, where there was a good and great dinner, and the company, Mr. William Montagu (age 44) and his [his wife] Lady (but she seemed so far from the beauty that I expected her from my Lady's talk to be, that it put me into an ill humour all the day, to find my expectation so lost), Mr. Rurttball and Townsend and their wives.

Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1663. Thence walked to Westminster, and there up and down in the Hall and the Parliament House all the morning; at noon by coach to my Lord Crew's, hearing that Lord Sandwich (age 37) did dine there; where I told him what had passed between Mr. Coventry (age 35) and myself; with which he was contented, though I could perceive not very well pleased. And I do believe that my Lord do find some other things go against his mind in the House; for in the motion made the other day in the House by my Lord Bruce, that none be capable of employment but such as have been loyal and constant to the King (age 32) and Church, the General [Monk] and my Lord were mentioned to be excepted; and my Lord Bruce did come since to my Lord, to clear himself that he meant nothing to his prejudice, nor could it have any such effect if he did mean it. After discourse with my Lord; to dinner with him; there dining there my Lord Montagu of Boughton, Northamptonshire, Mr. William Montagu (age 45) his brother, the Queen's Sollicitor, &c., and a fine dinner. Their talk about a ridiculous falling-out two days ago at my Lord of Oxford's (age 36) house, at an entertainment of his, there being there my Lord of Albemarle (age 54), Lynsey (age 55), two of the Porters, my Lord Bellasses (age 48), and others, where there were high words and some blows, and pulling off of perriwiggs; till my Lord Monk (age 54) took away some of their swords, and sent for some soldiers to guard the house till the fray was ended. To such a degree of madness the nobility of this age is come!

Pepy's Diary. 20 Jan 1664. At his lodgings this morning there came to him Mr. W. Montague's (age 46) fine [his wife] lady, which occasioned my Lord's calling me to her about some business for a friend of hers preferred to be a midshipman at sea. My Lord recommended the whole matter to me. She is a fine confident lady, I think, but not so pretty as I once thought her. My Lord did also seal a lease for the house he is now taking in Lincoln's Inn Fields, which stands him in 250 per annum rent.

Pepy's Diary. 25 Feb 1666. He tells me my Lord of Suffolke (age 47), Lord Arlington (age 48), Archbishop of Canterbury (age 67), Lord Treasurer (age 58), Mr. Atturny Montagu (age 48), Sir Thomas Clifford (age 35) in the House of Commons, Sir G. Carteret (age 56), and some others I cannot presently remember, are friends that I may rely on for him. He tells me my Chancellor (age 57) seems his very good friend, but doubts that he may not think him so much a servant of the Duke of Yorke's (age 32) as he would have him, and indeed my Lord tells me he hath lately made it his business to be seen studious of the King's favour, and not of the Duke's, and by the King (age 35) will stand or fall, for factions there are, as he tells me, and God knows how high they may come.

Pepy's Diary. 21 Jan 1667. Thence with them to Westminster Hall [Map], they setting me down at White Hall, where I missed of finding Sir G. Carteret (age 57), up to the Lords' House, and there come mighty seasonably to hear the Solicitor about my Lord Buckingham's (age 38) pretence to the title of Lord Rosse. Mr. Atturny Montagu (age 49) is also a good man, and so is old Sir P. Ball; but the Solicitor and Scroggs after him are excellent men.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Apr 1667. After dinner Sir G. Carteret (age 57) and I alone in his closet an hour or more talking of my Lord Sandwich's (age 41) coming home, which, the peace being likely to be made here, he expects, both for my Lord's sake and his own (whose interest he wants) it will be best for him to be at home, where he will be well received by the King (age 36); he is sure of his service well accepted, though the business of Spain do fall by this peace. He tells me my Lord Arlington (age 49) hath done like a gentleman by him in all things. He says, if my Lord [Sandwich] were here, he were the fittest man to be Lord Treasurer (age 60) of any man in England; and he thinks it might be compassed; for he confesses that the King's matters do suffer through the inability of this man, who is likely to die, and he will propound him to the King (age 36). It will remove him from his place at sea, and the King (age 36) will have a good place to bestow. He says to me, that he could wish, when my Lord comes, that he would think fit to forbear playing, as a thing below him, and which will lessen him, as it do my Lord St. Albans (age 62), in the King's esteem: and as a great secret tells me that he hath made a match for my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 19) to a daughter (age 22) of my Lord Burlington's (age 54), where there is a great alliance, £10,000 portion; a civil family, and relation to my Chancellor (age 58), whose son (age 5) hath married one of the daughters (age 4); and that my Chancellor (age 58) do take it with very great kindness, so that he do hold himself obliged by it. My Lord Sandwich (age 41) hath referred it to my Lord Crew (age 69), Sir G. Carteret (age 57), and Mr. Montagu (age 49), to end it. My Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 19) and the lady know nothing yet of it. It will, I think, be very happy. Very glad of this discourse, I away mightily pleased with the confidence I have in this family, and so away, took up my wife, who was at her mother's, and so home, where I settled to my chamber about my accounts, both Tangier and private, and up at it till twelve at night, with good success, when news is brought me that there is a great fire in Southwarke [Map]: so we up to the leads, and then I and the boy down to the end of our, lane, and there saw it, it seeming pretty great, but nothing to the fire of London, that it made me think little of it. We could at that distance see an engine play-that is, the water go out, it being moonlight.

Pepy's Diary. 30 Dec 1667. Thence to the Old Exchange [Map] together, he telling me that he believes there will be no such turning out of great men as is talked of, but that it is only to fright people, but I do fear there may be such a thing doing. He do mightily inveigh against the folly of the King (age 37) to bring his matters to wrack thus, and that we must all be undone without help. I met with Cooling at the Temple-gate, after I had been at both my booksellers and there laid out several pounds in books now against the new year. From the 'Change [Map] (where I met with Captain Cocke (age 50), who would have borrowed money of me, but I had the grace to deny him, he would have had 3 or £400) I with Cocke (age 50) and Mr. Temple (whose wife was just now brought to bed of a boy, but he seems not to be at all taken with it, which is a strange consideration how others do rejoice to have a child born), to Sir G. Carteret's (age 57), in Lincoln's Inn Fields, and there did dine together, there being there, among other company, Mr. Attorney Montagu (age 49), and his fine [his wife] lady, a fine woman.

Buckingham Shrewsbury Duel

Pepy's Diary. 17 Jan 1668. Up, and by coach to White Hall to attend the Council there, and here I met first by Mr. Castle (age 39) the shipwright, whom I met there, and then from the whole house the discourse of the duell yesterday between the Duke of Buckingham (age 39), Holmes, and one Jenkins, on one side, and my Lord of Shrewsbury (age 45), Sir John Talbot (age 37), and one Bernard Howard (age 27), on the other side: and all about my Lady Shrewsbury (age 25)1, who is a whore, and is at this time, and hath for a great while been, a whore to the Duke of Buckingham (age 39). And so her husband (age 45) challenged him, and they met yesterday in a close near Barne-Elmes, and there fought: and my Lord Shrewsbury (age 45) is run through the body, from the right breast through the shoulder: and Sir John Talbot (age 37) all along up one of his armes; and Jenkins killed upon the place, and the rest all, in a little measure, wounded. This will make the world think that the King (age 37) hath good councillors about him, when the Duke of Buckingham (age 39), the greatest man about him, is a fellow of no more sobriety than to fight about a whore. And this may prove a very bad accident to the Duke of Buckingham (age 39), but that my Baroness Castlemayne (age 27) do rule all at this time as much as ever she did, and she will, it is believed, keep all matters well with the Duke of Buckingham (age 39): though this is a time that the King (age 37) will be very backward, I suppose, to appear in such a business. And it is pretty to hear how the King (age 37) had some notice of this challenge a week or two ago, and did give it to my Lord Generall (age 59) to confine the Duke (age 39), or take security that he should not do any such thing as fight: and the Generall trusted to the King (age 37) that he, sending for him, would do it, and the King (age 37) trusted to the Generall; and so, between both, as everything else of the greatest moment do, do fall between two stools. The whole House full of nothing but the talk of this business; and it is said that my Lord Shrewsbury's (age 45) case is to be feared, that he may die too; and that may make it much the worse for the Duke of Buckingham (age 39): and I shall not be much sorry for it, that we may have some sober man come in his room to assist in the Government. Here I waited till the Council rose, and talked the while, with Creed, who tells me of Mr. Harry Howard's' (age 39) giving the Royal Society a piece of ground next to his house, to build a College on, which is a most generous act. And he tells me he is a very fine person, and understands and speaks well; and no rigid Papist neither, but one that would not have a Protestant servant leave his religion, which he was going to do, thinking to recommend himself to his master by it; saying that he had rather have an honest Protestant than a knavish Catholique. I was not called into the Council; and, therefore, home, first informing myself that my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 20) hath been married this week to my Lord Burlington's (age 55) daughter (age 23); so that that great business is over; and I mighty glad of it, though I am not satisfied that I have not a Favour sent me, as I see Attorney Montagu (age 50) and the Vice-Chamberlain have (age 58). But I am mighty glad that the thing is done.

Note 1. Anna Maria (age 25), daughter of Robert Brudenel, second Earl of Cardigan (age 60). Walpole says she held the Duke of Buckingham's (age 39) horse, in the habit of a page, while he was fighting the duel with her husband. She married, secondly, George Rodney Bridges, son of Sir Thomas Bridges of Keynsham, Somerset (age 51), Groom of the Bedchamber to Charles IL, and died April 20th, 1702. A portrait of the Countess of Shrewsbury, as Minerva, by Lely.

In 1676 William Montagu (age 58) was appointed Chief Baron of the Exchequer which office he held until 1686.

On 01 Mar 1678 [his brother-in-law] John Aubrey 2nd Baronet (age 28) and Margaret Lowther Lady Aubrey were married.

In 1679 [his father-in-law] John Aubrey 1st Baronet (age 73) died. His son [his brother-in-law] John Aubrey 2nd Baronet (age 29) succeeded 2nd Baronet Aubrey of Llantrithyd in Glamorganshire. Margaret Lowther Lady Aubrey by marriage Lady Aubrey of Llantrithyd in Glamorganshire.

Aleppo the 17th day of October 1687.

Whereas I [Evelyn Fanshawe 3rd Viscount Fanshawe (age 18)] have made my will in England I doe hereby confirme the same, only with this following Exception, That whereas I have bequeathed to my Uncle Charles ffanshaw all my moneys after debts, Legacies, and funerall charges paid, I doe now hereby bequeath a Thousand pounds of said money to the honourable William Montague (age 69) Esq. late Lord cheife Baron of the Exchequer, and Samuel Eyre Esq. Councellor at Law, for the Sole use and benefitt of my Mother (age 45) the Viscountess Castleton, her Executors, Administrators or Assignes, I doe also beneath unto my Servant Thomas Harding all my wearing apparrell, besides the Legacy left him in my aforementioned Will, unto which I add this as a Coddicil desiring my Executor, my Uncle Charles ffanshaw, to see it performed.

E. Fanshaw.

Signed, sealed and published in the psence of Kingston, Thomas Metcalfe, Edm. Challoner, Alexander Bigby, Alexander' Prescott, William Pearll.

In or before 1691 [his brother-in-law] John Aubrey 2nd Baronet (age 41) and Mary Lewis Lady Aubrey (age 41) were married. She by marriage Lady Aubrey of Llantrithyd in Glamorganshire. She the mother of the future wife Frances Jephson Lady Aubrey of his son John Aubrey 3rd Baronet (age 10). She the daughter of William Lewis of Boarstall and Margaret Banastre Duchess of Richmond.

On 10 Mar 1700 [his wife] Mary Aubrey died.

On 15 Sep 1700 [his former brother-in-law] John Aubrey 2nd Baronet (age 50) died. His son John Aubrey 3rd Baronet (age 20) succeeded 3rd Baronet Aubrey of Llantrithyd in Glamorganshire.

In 1706 William Montagu (age 88) died at Weekley, Leicestershire.

Royal Ancestors of William Montagu 1618-1706

Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 15 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 21 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 16 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 10 Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 16 Grand Son of Malcolm III King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 14 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great x 15 Grand Son of Louis "Fat" VI King France

Ancestors of William Montagu 1618-1706

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Montagu 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Ladde Montagu 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Holcot

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Montagu 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Edward Montagu 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Dudley

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Dudley

Great x 2 Grandmother: Agnes Dudley

GrandFather: Edward Montagu 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Roper

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Roper

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Roper of Well Hall

Great x 1 Grandmother: Helen Roper

Father: Edward Montagu 1st Baron Montagu 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Harrington

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Harrington

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Alexander Harrington

Great x 1 Grandfather: James Harrington

Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Moton of Peckleton in Leicestershire

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Moton

GrandMother: Elizabeth Harrington

Great x 4 Grandfather: William IV Sidney

Great x 3 Grandfather: Nicholas Sidney

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Sidney

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Brandon

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Brandon

Great x 1 Grandmother: Lucy Sidney

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Pakenham

Great x 3 Grandfather: Hugh Pakenham

Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Pakenham

William Montagu 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Cotton

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Cotton

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Cotton

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Knightley

Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Knightley

Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Throckmorton

Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Cotton

GrandFather: Thomas Cotton

Mother: Frances Cotton 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Shirley

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Shirley 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Staunton 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Ralph Shirley 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Willoughby 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Willoughby 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Freville

Great x 1 Grandfather: Francis Shirley 10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

GrandMother: Elizabeth Shirley 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Giffard

Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Giffard

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Giffard

Great x 1 Grandmother: Dorothy Giffard