John Montagu, 1st Baron Montagu facts for kids
John de Montacute (born around 1330 – died around 1390) was an important English nobleman in the 1300s. He was a loyal helper and supporter of King Edward III.
John was the son of William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury and his wife Catherine Grandison. He was also the younger brother of William de Montacute, 2nd Earl of Salisbury (who lived from 1328 to 1397). John also had several younger sisters.
Early Life and Service
John de Montacute was called to join the English Parliament in 1357. This meant he became a part of the group that helped the King make important decisions for the country.
A famous writer named Jean Froissart mentioned "Lord John Mountacute" as one of the people who were with King Edward III during the Siege of Calais in 1349. A siege is when an army surrounds a city or castle to try and capture it.
Family Life
John de Montacute married Margaret de Monthermer. Margaret was the daughter and only heir of Thomas de Monthermer, 2nd Baron de Monthermer and his wife Margaret de Brewes.
John and Margaret had several children, including:
- John Montacute, 3rd Earl of Salisbury (born around 1350 – died 1400)
- Eleanor Montacute, who married John Dinham
- Thomas Montagu, who became a high-ranking church official called the Dean of Salisbury Cathedral
- Sybil Montagu, Prioress of Amesbury, who was a leader in a religious community for women
Family Symbols
The Montagu family had special symbols called "arms" or a "coat of arms." These symbols were like a family badge. John Montagu's descendants later combined their family symbols with those of the Monthermer family. The Monthermer family's symbol was a golden shield with a green eagle that had red beak and claws.
