Hugh Montgomery, 2nd Earl of Mount Alexander facts for kids

Hugh Montgomery, 2nd Earl of Mount Alexander (born 24 February 1651 – died 12 February 1717) was an important Anglo-Irish soldier and a member of the nobility. He held a special title called an "Earl," which was passed down in his family.

Early Life and Family History

Hugh Montgomery was the son of Hugh Montgomery, 1st Earl of Mount Alexander. His mother was Mary, the daughter of Charles Moore, 2nd Viscount Moore of Drogheda. When his father passed away in 1663, Hugh inherited the title of Earl of Mount Alexander.

However, his father had left behind many debts. To pay these off, Hugh had to sell a lot of his family's land and their home, Newton House, in County Down. He sold these properties to Sir Robert Colville.

Military and Political Career

Hugh Montgomery began his military career in 1674. He became a captain in charge of a group of soldiers on horseback. Later, in 1683, he was given an important job called Custos Rotulorum for County Down. This role meant he was the chief keeper of the county's records and a senior justice of the peace.

In 1685, King James II of England showed him special favor. Hugh received a yearly payment of £400 and was given a seat on the Privy Council of Ireland. The Privy Council was a group of trusted advisors to the King.

Role in the Glorious Revolution

Even though King James II had favored him, Hugh Montgomery chose to support William III of England during the Glorious Revolution. This was a major event in 1688 when King James II was replaced by William III and Mary II.

In January 1689, Hugh was made a colonel in William's army. However, on 14 March 1689, he led Protestant forces in a battle called the Break of Dromore, where they were defeated. After this loss, Montgomery had to leave Ireland. He first went to the Isle of Man and then to London. He returned to Ireland in 1691 after the supporters of King James II, known as the Jacobites, were defeated.

Later Public Service

After returning to Ireland, Hugh Montgomery continued his public service. From 1692 onwards, he regularly attended the Irish House of Lords. This was a part of the Irish Parliament, where important laws were discussed. He was also reappointed to the Privy Council in 1693.

Between 1698 and 1705, he held the position of Master-General of the Irish Board of Ordnance. This meant he was in charge of military supplies and weapons. In 1699, he was promoted to brigadier-general in the army. From 1702 to 1704, he was one of the Lords Justices of Ireland, who were important officials who governed Ireland when the monarch was not present.

Personal Life

Hugh Montgomery was married twice during his life. However, he did not have any children who survived him. Because of this, when he passed away on 12 February 1717, his title of Earl was passed on to his brother, Henry Montgomery.