Henry Montagu, 1st Earl of Manchester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Right Honourable
The Earl of Manchester
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| Lord High Treasurer | |
| In office 1620–1621 |
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| Preceded by | In Commission George Abbot as first lord |
| Succeeded by | Lionel Cranfield, 1st Earl of Middlesex |
| Lord Chief Justice of England | |
| In office 1616–1621 |
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| Preceded by | Edward Coke |
| Succeeded by | James Ley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1563 |
| Died | 7 November 1642 (aged 78/79) |
| Spouses | Catherine Spencer Anne Holliday Margaret Crouch |
| Children | Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester Walter Montagu George Montagu |
| Parents | Edward Montagu of Boughton Elizabeth Harington |
| Alma mater | Christ's College, Cambridge |
Henry Montagu, 1st Earl of Manchester (born around 1563 – died 7 November 1642) was an important English judge and politician. He is well-known for being the judge in the famous trial of Sir Walter Raleigh.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Henry Montagu was born in Boughton, Northamptonshire, around 1563. He was the third son of Edward Montagu of Boughton. His grandfather, Sir Edward Montagu, was also a very important judge. Sir Edward was the Lord Chief Justice from 1539 to 1545. He was even chosen by King Henry VIII to help manage his will.
Henry Montagu went to Christ's College, Cambridge for his education. After college, he studied law at Middle Temple. He became a lawyer on 9 June 1592.
A Career in Law and Politics
Henry Montagu began his public career in 1601. He was first elected to the English Parliament. In 1603, he became the recorder of London, which was a key legal position in the city.
Becoming a Chief Justice
In 1616, Henry Montagu was made Chief Justice of the King's Bench. This was one of the highest judicial roles in England. While serving in this role, he oversaw the trial of Sir Walter Raleigh in October 1618.
Moving into Government Roles
Henry Montagu continued to rise in importance. In 1620, he was appointed Lord High Treasurer. This meant he was in charge of the country's money. At this time, he was also given the titles Viscount Mandeville and Baron Montagu of Kimbolton.
In 1621, he became the Lord President of the Council. This was a top advisory role to the King. King Charles I kept him in this position. In 1626, King Charles I made him the Earl of Manchester.
Later, in 1628, he became the Lord Privy Seal. This role involved looking after the King's personal seal. In 1635, he also became a commissioner of the treasury.
Loyalty to the King
Even though Henry Montagu often supported the people's side in politics, he always stayed loyal to the King. He was a judge in the Star Chamber, a special court at the time. He was also one of King Charles I's most trusted advisors. People like Clarendon praised his loyalty and honesty. He also helped decide that "ship money" was legal in 1634. Ship money was a tax that helped pay for the navy.
Family Life
Henry Montagu was married three times during his life.
- His first wife was Catherine Spencer.
- His second wife was Anne Holliday, whom he married in 1613.
- His third wife was Margaret Crouch, whom he married in 1620.
His eldest son, Edward Montagu, became the 2nd Earl of Manchester after him. Edward was from his first marriage. Another son, Walter Montagu, became a courtier and abbot.
One of his sons with Margaret Crouch was George Montagu. George's son, Charles Montagu, later became the Earl of Halifax. Another of George's sons, James Montagu, became the Attorney General from 1708 to 1710.
