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George Montagu, 1st Duke of Montagu facts for kids

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The Duke of Montagu
Beechey - 1st Duke of Montagu.jpg
The Duke of Montagu.
Master of the Horse
In office
1780–1790
Monarch George III
Preceded by The Duke of Northumberland
Succeeded by Marquess of Graham
Personal details
Born 26 July 1712 (1712-07-26)
Cardigan House, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, England
Died 23 May 1790 (1790-05-24) (aged 77)
Privy Gardens, Whitehall, London
Spouse
Lady Mary Montagu
(m. 1730)
Children
Parents
  • George Brudenell, 3rd Earl of Cardigan
  • Lady Elizabeth Bruce
Alma mater Queen's College, Oxford

George Montagu, Duke of Montagu, was an important British noble. He was known by different titles during his life. He was born on July 26, 1712, and passed away on May 23, 1790. He held several important positions in the British government and royal court.

Early Life and Education

George Brudenell was born in London at Cardigan House. His parents were George Brudenell, the 3rd Earl of Cardigan, and Lady Elizabeth Bruce. He was the oldest of four brothers.

He went to Queen's College, Oxford, a famous university. He started there in 1726 and finished his studies in 1729.

A Life in Public Service

George Brudenell became the Earl of Cardigan in 1732 after his father passed away. This meant he inherited his father's noble title.

In 1749, he inherited a lot of land and wealth from his father-in-law, the Duke of Montagu. Because of this, he changed his last name to "Montagu" for himself and his children.

Important Roles and Titles

In 1752, he was made a Knight of the Garter. This is a very special honor given by the British monarch. He also became the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle. This meant he was in charge of the famous Windsor Castle until he died.

He was also the president of St Luke's Hospital for Lunatics in the 1750s. This hospital helped people with mental health issues.

In 1766, King George III gave him two new titles: Marquess of Monthermer and Duke of Montagu. These titles had belonged to his father-in-law before.

Later Years in Government

George Montagu's only son, John, sadly passed away in 1770 without having any children. This meant there was no male heir to inherit his titles.

So, in 1776, George Montagu was given another title: Baron Montagu of Boughton. This title was special because it could be passed down to the younger sons of his daughter, Elizabeth.

He also became a member of the Privy Council in the same year. This group advises the King or Queen. From 1780 to 1790, he served as the Master of the Horse. This was an important role in the royal household. He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Huntingdonshire from 1789 to 1790.

Family Life

Deene Park Northamptonshie
Deene Park, Northamptonshire, was an important family home.

George Montagu married Lady Mary Montagu in 1730. She was the daughter of the 2nd Duke of Montagu. They had two children who lived past infancy:

  • John Montagu, Marquess of Monthermer (1735–1770)
  • Lady Elizabeth Montagu (1743–1827), who married Henry Scott, the 3rd Duke of Buccleuch. She had children, and her younger sons could inherit the Baron Montagu title.

His wife, the Duchess of Montagu, passed away in 1775. George Montagu himself died in May 1790, at the age of 77. Since he had no living male children, his dukedom and marquessate titles ended. The earldom of Cardigan went to his brother, James. The barony of Montagu went to his grandson, Lord Henry Scott.

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