Charles Montagu, 1st Duke of Manchester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Manchester
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Portrait of Lord Manchester by Godfrey Kneller, c. 1711
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| British Ambassador to Venice | |
| In office 1707–1708 |
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| Monarch | Anne |
| Preceded by | Sir Lambert Blackwell (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Christian Cole (Acting) |
| English Ambassador to France | |
| In office 1699–1701 |
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| Monarch | William III |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Jersey |
| Succeeded by | The Duke of Hamilton |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charles Edward Montagu
c. 1662 |
| Died | 20 January 1722 (aged 59–60) |
| Spouses |
Doddington Greville
(m. 1690; |
| Children | 4 |
| Parents | Robert Montagu, 3rd Earl of Manchester Anne Yelverton |
| Relatives | Robert Montagu (brother) Heneage Montagu (brother) |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Cambridge |
Charles Edward Montagu, 1st Duke of Manchester (born around 1662, died January 20, 1722) was an important British nobleman and politician. He was also known as the 4th Earl of Manchester before becoming a Duke. He served his country as a diplomat and held several high-ranking government jobs.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Montagu was born around 1662. He came from a noble family called the House of Montagu. His parents were Robert Montagu, the 3rd Earl of Manchester, and Anne Yelverton. He had several brothers and sisters.
Charles went to Trinity College, Cambridge for his education. In 1683, when his father passed away, Charles became the 4th Earl of Manchester. This meant he inherited his father's title and responsibilities.
He strongly supported the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This was a major event where King James II was replaced by William and Mary. Charles was present at their coronation. He also fought alongside William at the Battle of the Boyne, a very important battle in Ireland.
A Career in Diplomacy
Charles Montagu had a long career serving his country as a diplomat. Diplomats are people who represent their country in other nations.
First Mission to Venice
In 1697, he was sent to Venice. His job was to try and get British sailors released from prison. However, the Venetian government did not want to negotiate, so his mission was not successful.
Ambassador to France
When he returned in 1698, Charles became a privy councillor. This meant he was a trusted advisor to the King. The next year, he was appointed as the English Ambassador to France. He stayed in France until a big war, the War of Spanish Succession, started in 1701.
Secretary of State
After his time in France, he briefly held a very important job. From January to May 1702, he was the Secretary of State for the Southern Department. This role involved managing foreign affairs for southern Europe and the colonies.
Second Mission to Venice
Later, in 1707 and 1708, he was sent back to Venice as an Ambassador. His goal was to convince Venice to join the Grand Alliance. This was a group of countries working together against France. Unfortunately, his negotiations were again unsuccessful.
Becoming a Duke
In 1714, Charles received a new position in the royal household of King George I. On April 28, 1719, King George I gave him an even higher title. Charles was made the Duke of Manchester. This was a very prestigious honor.
He was also involved in the arts. In 1719, he helped start the Royal Academy of Music. This organization put on baroque opera shows. From 1697 to 1722, he also served as the High Steward of the University of Cambridge. This was an important role in the university's leadership.
Family Life
On February 19, 1690, Charles Montagu married Doddington Greville. She was the daughter of Robert Greville, the 4th Baron Brooke. Charles and Doddington had four children together:
- Lady Doddington Montagu (born around 1694, died 1774). She never married.
- William Montagu, 2nd Duke of Manchester (1700–1739). He later became the 2nd Duke of Manchester.
- Lady Charlotte Montagu (1705–1759). She married Pattee Byng, who became the 2nd Viscount Torrington.
- Robert Montagu, 3rd Duke of Manchester (born around 1710, died 1762). He became the 3rd Duke of Manchester.
Charles Montagu passed away on January 20, 1722.
See also
