Edward Montagu, Viscount Hinchingbrooke facts for kids
Edward Richard Montagu, Viscount Hinchingbrooke (born July 7, 1692 – died October 3, 1722) was an important British Army officer and politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a main part of the British Parliament, from 1713 to 1722.
Edward was the oldest son of Edward Montagu, 3rd Earl of Sandwich and his wife, Elizabeth. His mother was the daughter of the Earl of Rochester. Edward's mother managed many of the family's public duties, and Edward helped her with these responsibilities.
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Early Life and Family
Edward Montagu, Viscount Hinchingbrooke, was born into a noble family in 1692. His father held the title of the 3rd Earl of Sandwich. Edward was the firstborn son, which meant he was expected to take on important roles in the family and in public life.
When he was just 14 years old, on April 12, 1707, Edward married Elizabeth Popham. Elizabeth was the daughter of Alexander Popham from Littlecote, Wiltshire. This marriage connected him to another important family.
Education and Travel
After his marriage, Edward went on a grand tour of Europe in 1708. This was a common trip for young noblemen to learn about different cultures and gain experience. These tours were important for their education and to prepare them for future leadership roles.
Military Service
After his travels, Edward began his military career. In 1709, he was given command of a troop of soldiers. This troop was part of Sir Richard Temple's Regiment of Horse. He served with this regiment during a military campaign in Flanders, a region in Europe.
Rising Through the Ranks
Edward continued to advance in the army. On June 11, 1715, he became a captain. He led a special group of soldiers called a grenadier company in the 2nd Regiment of Foot Guards, also known as the Coldstream Guards. Later that year, on December 22, he was chosen to be an aide-de-camp to the King. This meant he was a personal assistant to the King for military matters.
In 1717, Edward Montagu became a colonel. He was given command of the 37th Regiment of Foot. Being a colonel was a very high rank in the army.
Political Career
Edward Montagu also had a successful career in politics. In 1713, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Huntingdon. As an MP, he represented the people of Huntingdon in the House of Commons. He served in this role for many years, until 1722.
Local Leadership
In March 1722, Edward was given another important position. He was named Lord Lieutenant of Huntingdonshire. A Lord Lieutenant is the King's personal representative in a county. They are responsible for local defense and maintaining public order.
In April 1722, he was re-elected as an MP, this time for the larger area of Huntingdonshire. This showed his continued influence and popularity in the region.
Later Life and Family
Sadly, Edward Montagu, Viscount Hinchingbrooke, passed away in October 1722. He died before his father, which meant he never inherited the title of Earl of Sandwich.
He left behind five children:
- Hon. Mary Montagu
- Hon. Elizabeth Montagu, who married Kelland Courtenay and later William 'Gentleman' Smith
- Hon. Edward Montagu
- John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich (1718–1792)
- Capt. Hon. William Montagu (around 1720–1757)
After Edward's death, his wife, Elizabeth, later married Francis Seymour.
