Mary Montagu, Duchess of Montagu (1689–1751) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duchess of Montagu
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Portrait by Charles Jervas
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| Born | Lady Mary Churchill 15 July 1689 |
| Died | 14 May 1751 (aged 61) |
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| Father | John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough |
| Mother | Sarah |
Mary Montagu, Duchess of Montagu (born July 15, 1689 – died May 14, 1751), was an important British noblewoman. Before her marriage, she was known as Lady Mary Churchill. Mary was the wife of John Montagu, 2nd Duke of Montagu. She was the youngest daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, and his wife, Sarah.
A Noblewoman's Life
Mary Churchill married John Montagu on March 17, 1705. At that time, he was known as the Earl of Montagu. They had five children together during their marriage:
- Isabella (born around 1706 – died December 20, 1786). She married William Montagu, 2nd Duke of Manchester first. Later, she married Edward Hussey-Montagu, 1st Earl of Beaulieu. Isabella had children only from her second marriage.
- John (1706–1711)
- George (died when he was a baby)
- Mary (born around 1711 – died May 1, 1775). She married George Brudenell, 4th Earl of Cardigan. They had children.
- Edward (December 27, 1725 – May 1727)
From 1714 to 1717, the Duchess of Montagu held a special role. She was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Caroline of Ansbach. Caroline was the Princess of Wales at that time. This role meant Mary was a close attendant to the Princess.
Several artists painted portraits of the Duchess. Sir Godfrey Kneller painted her in 1740. Another painting shows her with her husband and daughter. This portrait was created around 1729 by Gawen Hamilton. The Duchess is also mentioned in a book called The New Atalantis, written in 1709 by Delarivier Manley.
Mary Montagu was known for her kindness. In her will, she left money to Ignatius Sancho. He was a man who worked for her as a butler after her husband passed away. She gave him a pension, which was a regular payment. Even though he tried to find other work, he later returned to serve the Montagu family.
