Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Manchester
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Portrait of the Earl of Manchester by Sir Peter Lely, circa 1661–1665
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| Lord Chamberlain | |
| In office 1660–1671 |
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| Preceded by | English Interregnum |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of St Albans |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1602 |
| Died | 5 May 1671 (aged 68–69) |
| Spouses |
Susannah Hill
(m. 1623, Lady Anne Rich
(m. 1625; Essex, Lady Bevil
(m. 1642; Eleanor, Countess of Warwick
(m. 1659; Margaret, Countess of Carlisle
(m. 1667) |
| Children | 4, including Robert Montagu, 3rd Earl of Manchester |
| Parents | Henry Montagu, 1st Earl of Manchester Catherine Spencer |
| Relatives | Robert Montagu (grandson) Heneage Montagu (grandson) Charles Montagu, 1st Duke of Manchester (grandson) |
| Alma mater | Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Parliament |
| Years of service | 1642–1645 |
| Rank | Major-General |
| Battles/wars | First English Civil War |
Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester (1602–1671) was a very important leader for the Parliament's army during the first English Civil War. For a while, he was even in charge of Oliver Cromwell, who later became a powerful leader himself.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edward Montagu was born in 1602. He was the oldest son of Henry Montagu, 1st Earl of Manchester, and his first wife, Catherine Spencer.
Edward went to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, a famous university, from 1618 to 1622.
A Life in Politics and War
Early Political Career
In 1623, Edward Montagu traveled with Prince Charles (who later became King Charles I) to Spain. They went there to try and arrange a marriage for the Prince.
He was elected to Parliament for Huntingdonshire several times between 1623 and 1626.
In 1626, when Charles I became king, Edward was given the title of Knight of the Bath. This was a reward for his help in Spain.
Later that year, he became a member of the House of Lords. He was given the title Viscount Mandeville. This was a special title because his father had just become the Earl of Manchester.
Joining the Parliament's Side
Edward Montagu's father-in-law, Robert Rich, 2nd Earl of Warwick, was a strong supporter of Parliament. This influenced Edward to side with Parliament in their disagreements with the King.
When the Long Parliament started, Edward was one of the main leaders for the Parliament in the House of Lords. He was even one of the "Five Members" whom the King tried to accuse in 1642.
Leading in the English Civil War
In November 1642, Edward became the Earl of Manchester after his father passed away.
When the English Civil War began, he led a group of soldiers in the Parliament's army.
In August 1643, he was made a Major-General. This meant he was in charge of the Parliament's forces in the eastern parts of England. Oliver Cromwell was his second-in-command.
Manchester used secret codes to send messages to his allies. He also appointed someone to remove or destroy religious images and features in churches that were considered "Popish" or "superstitious."
Disagreements and Later Life
In 1644, Manchester was a key leader at the Battle of Marston Moor, a very important battle. However, after this battle, he and Cromwell started to disagree. Manchester felt the war should end, but Cromwell wanted to keep fighting.
Cromwell complained about Manchester to Parliament. In 1645, Manchester decided to step down from his military command.
He then played a big part in trying to make peace with King Charles I. He was also in charge of the Great Seal of the Realm (a special seal used for important government documents) from 1646 to 1648. He often led meetings in the House of Lords.
Manchester did not agree with the decision to put the King on trial. He left public life during the time when England was a republic (the Commonwealth).
However, after the King was restored to power in 1660 (the English Restoration), Manchester helped with this process. King Charles II honored him greatly.
In 1661, he became a Knight of the Order of the Garter, a very high honor. In 1667, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group for important scientists.
Edward Montagu died on May 5, 1671. Many people, including important historians, described him as a kind and good man who believed in peace and fairness.
Family Life
Lord Manchester was married five times. He had children with two of his wives.
His first wife was Susannah Hill, whom he married in 1623. They did not have any children.
His second wife was Lady Anne Rich, whom he married in 1625. They had three children together:
- Robert Montagu, 3rd Earl of Manchester (1634–1682)
- Lady Frances Montagu
- Lady Anne Montagu (died 1689)
In 1642, he married Essex, Lady Bevill. They had one daughter:
- Lady Essex Montagu (died 1677)
He married Eleanor, Dowager Countess of Warwick, in 1659. They did not have any children.
His fifth and final wife was Margaret, Dowager Countess of Carlisle, whom he married in 1667. She outlived him.
In Film
Edward Montagu was played by actor Robert Morley in the 1970 movie Cromwell. In the film, he is shown in the House of Commons, but in real life, he was a member of the House of Lords since 1626.
