Edward Wortley Montagu (traveller) facts for kids
Edward Wortley Montagu (born May 15, 1713 – died April 29, 1776) was an English writer and explorer. He was known for his adventurous spirit and his travels around the world.
Edward was the son of Edward Wortley Montagu, a diplomat and member of parliament, and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, a famous writer and traveller. He seemed to get his smarts and unique personality from his parents.
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Early Life and Firsts
When Edward was just three years old, in 1716, his parents took him to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). There, in 1716-1717, he became the first person born in the United Kingdom to be smallpox inoculated. This was a very important medical step at the time.
School Days and Escapades
After returning to England in 1718, Edward attended Westminster School. But he was a restless spirit and ran away more than once! The first time, in 1726, he was found in Oxford. He was brought back to school, but he ran away again in 1727 and was gone for several months.
His tutor, Mr. Forster, shared stories of other adventures. Once, after being missing for a year, Edward was found selling fish in Blackwall. Another time, he worked his way to Oporto, Portugal, on a ship. He then explored the countryside and found work in vineyards. Eventually, he was recognized and sent back to his parents.
Travels and Studies
After these escapades, Edward was sent to travel. He went to the West Indies and later to the Netherlands. He was very smart and studied Arabic seriously at Leiden in 1741. He would return many years later to continue his studies.
Military Service
From 1743 to 1748, Edward served in the British army. He started as a cornet (a junior officer) in the 7th Dragoon Guards. Later, he became a captain-lieutenant in the 1st Regiment of Foot. He even fought in the Battle of Fontenoy, a major battle during the War of the Austrian Succession. He left the army in 1748.
A Life of Travel and Writing
After his time in the army, Edward spent many years travelling. He kept short diary notes about his journeys and sometimes drew sketches. He returned to his studies in 1769.
Edward was also a Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdonshire in 1747. He helped as a secretary at the conference of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748, which ended the War of the Austrian Succession.
He wrote a book called Reflections on the Rise and Fall of the Antient Republics... in 1759. While in Italy, he also created and published a detailed map of the Ambracian Gulf and the island of Lefkas in northwestern Greece.
Later Years and Legacy
Edward continued his extensive travels, especially in the East. The artist George Romney described him living in Venice in a style similar to Turkish customs. Edward was very good at languages, speaking Hebrew, Arabic, Chaldaic, and Persian. He was also an excellent speaker.
His father left him some money each year, but most of his father's wealth went to Edward's sister, Lady Bute. When his mother passed away, her yearly income also went to him. Edward Wortley Montagu died in Padua, Italy, in 1776.
