John Montagu, 2nd Duke of Montagu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Montagu
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The 2nd Duke of Montagu, Godfrey Kneller, 1709
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| Duke of Montagu | |
| Reign |
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| Predecessor | Ralph Montagu, 1st Duke of Montagu |
| Successor | Extinct |
| Born | 1690 |
| Died | 5 July 1749 |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Mary Churchill |
| Issue among others... |
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| Father | Ralph Montagu, 1st Duke of Montagu |
| Mother | Elizabeth Wriothesley |
John Montagu, 2nd Duke of Montagu (1690 – 5 July 1749) was an important British nobleman. He held the title of Viscount Monthermer until 1705. From 1705 to 1709, he was known as Marquess of Monthermer. He became the Duke of Montagu in 1709.
Contents
Life as a Duke
John Montagu was born in 1690. He inherited his father's title, becoming the 2nd Duke of Montagu. He was also a coal mine owner.
Early Life and Marriage
As a young man, Montagu went on a "grand tour" of Europe. This was a common trip for wealthy young men. It helped them learn about art, culture, and history.
On March 17, 1705, John Montagu married Lady Mary Churchill. She was the daughter of the famous military leader, John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough.
Important Roles and Honors
Montagu held many important positions during his life. In 1717, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. This is a group of top doctors.
In 1719, he was made a Knight of the Garter. This is one of the highest honors in Britain. He also became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1725. This group focuses on science. He was also a leader in the first Masonic group, the Premier Grand Lodge of England.
Adventures in the West Indies
In 1722, King George I gave Montagu a special job. He was made governor of the islands of Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent. These islands are in the West Indies.
Montagu sent a sea captain named Nathaniel Uring to the islands. Uring tried to start a settlement there. However, the French quickly forced them to leave.
Supporting Good Causes
Montagu was a kind and generous person. In 1739, he helped create the Foundling Hospital in London. This was the country's first home for children who had been abandoned. He was one of the first leaders of this charity.
He also helped two important Black British men get an education. These were Ignatius Sancho and Francis Williams. Sancho worked as a butler in Montagu's home.
Military Service
In 1745, Montagu created a cavalry regiment. This was a group of soldiers on horseback. It was called Montagu's Carabineers. However, the group was later disbanded after the Battle of Culloden.
Montagu's Homes
Montagu owned a large country home called Boughton House. He designed its gardens to look like the famous Palace of Versailles in France. This home now belongs to the Buccleuch family.
His town home in London was called Montagu House, Bloomsbury. After his death, this house became the first home of the British Museum. The museum opened to the public in 1759.
Family and Children
John Montagu and his wife, Lady Mary Churchill, had five children:
- Lady Isabella Montagu (born around 1706 – died 1786). She married twice.
- John (1706–1711)
- George (died as a baby)
- Lady Mary Montagu (born around 1711/1712 – died 1775). She married George Brudenell, 4th Earl of Cardigan.
- Edward (1725–1727)
What Happened Next
None of Montagu's sons lived longer than him. Because of this, his titles ended when he died in 1749.
His daughter Mary inherited his estates. Her husband, George Brudenell, took the Montagu family name. In 1766, he was also made the 1st Duke of Montagu (a new creation of the title). This second dukedom also ended in 1790.
Montagu's other daughter, Elizabeth, married Henry Scott, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch. This marriage meant that the Buccleuch family received much of the Montagu family's property.
