Edward Montagu of Boughton facts for kids
Sir Edward Montagu (born around 1530, died 1602) was an important English landowner and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament, in 1559.
Life and Work
Edward Montagu was the oldest son of Sir Edward Montagu, a judge from Boughton House near Kettering. His mother was Helen Roper. When his father passed away in 1556, Edward inherited a lot of land and property. This included eleven large estates called manors, Barnwell Castle, and the main house at Boughton. He also gained the right to choose priests for eight churches in Northamptonshire.
Montagu continued to expand his land. He received hidden lands in Northamptonshire and bought more property, including a manor near Brigstock.
Serving in Parliament
In 1559, Edward Montagu was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Northamptonshire. This meant he helped make laws for the country.
He also served as a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) in Northamptonshire starting around 1559. A J.P. was a local official who helped keep law and order. He was also the Sheriff of Northamptonshire from 1559 to 1560. The Sheriff was a very important local official, like a chief law enforcement officer for the county.
Later Roles
Between 1568 and 1570, Edward Montagu was knighted, which meant he was given the title "Sir." In 1570, he became a Deputy Lieutenant, helping the main Lieutenant of the county. He served as Sheriff of Northamptonshire again from 1570 to 1571.
He took on various other important tasks for the government. In 1572, he helped manage the export of corn (grain). In 1574, he worked on matters related to Peterborough Cathedral. In 1579, he was involved in dealing with religious issues in Northampton. He even attended the funeral of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1587.
Montagu served as Sheriff of Northamptonshire for a third time from 1588 to 1589. In the 1590s, he was a commissioner for "recusancy." This meant he helped deal with people who refused to attend Church of England services. His fourth and final term as Sheriff was from 1600 to 1601.
Sir Edward Montagu passed away around the age of 70. People at the time said he was very religious and fair. He was known as "the friend of Kettering" and was respected for his wisdom and service to his county.
Family Life
In 1557, Sir Edward Montagu married Elizabeth Harington. She was the daughter of James Harington from Exton, Rutland. They had a large family with eight sons and four daughters.
Some of their notable children included:
- Edward Montagu, 1st Baron Montagu of Boughton: He became the first Baron Montagu of Boughton.
- Henry Montagu, 1st Earl of Manchester: He became the first Earl of Manchester.
- James Montagu: He became the Bishop of Winchester, an important religious leader.
- Sir Sidney Montagu: His descendants later became the Earls of Sandwich.
- Lucy Montagu: She married Sir William Wray.
- Elizabeth Montagu: She married Robert Bertie.
- Theodosia Montagu: She married Sir John Capell.
