Matthew Montagu, 4th Baron Rokeby facts for kids

Matthew Montagu, 4th Baron Rokeby (born 23 November 1762 – died 1 September 1831) was an important British figure. He was known as Matthew Robinson until 1776. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he was elected to help make laws for the country. He also became a Baronet and a Peer, which are special titles of nobility. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), a group for top scientists.

Early Life and Family

Matthew Robinson was born on 23 November 1762 in London, England. He was the second son of Morris Robinson and Jane Greenland. His father worked as a lawyer in London.

Matthew had an older brother, Morris Robinson, 3rd Baron Rokeby. He also had a famous aunt named Elizabeth Montagu. She was a well-known writer and social leader. Matthew was her favorite nephew. Because of her, he changed his last name to Montagu in 1776. This happened before he inherited her large estate, including Sandleford Priory.

Matthew went to Harrow School from 1775 to 1780. After that, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge in 1780.

Political Career and Public Service

Matthew Montagu was a strong supporter of William Pitt the Younger, who was a very important Prime Minister. Montagu became a Member of Parliament (MP) for several areas in Cornwall, England.

He represented:

• Bossiney from 1786 to 1790
• Tregony from 1790 to 1795
• St Germans from 1806 to 1812

Montagu was a good friend and supporter of William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was a famous leader who worked to end the slave trade. Because of this friendship, Montagu also believed that the slave trade should be stopped.

Wilberforce visited Montagu's home, Sandleford, several times. Here are some notes from Wilberforce's diary:

• On July 27, 1789, Wilberforce wrote: "Set off for Bath and reached Sandleford. The old lady [Elizabeth Montagu] wonderfully spirited, are all very kind in their reception."
• The next day, he added: "Almost compelled to stay with the Montagus all day. Mrs. Montagu senior has many fine, and great, and amiable qualities. Young Montagu all gratitude and respect and affection to her and of most upright and pure intentions."
• In July 1791, Wilberforce visited again: "Monday 28 July. Off betimes on Sierra Leone business-reached Sandleford (M. Montagu's) in the evening. Dr. Beattie was already arrived."

In 1829, Matthew Montagu became the 4th Baron Rokeby. This title was part of the Irish peerage, which is a system of noble titles in Ireland. He also became the 6th Baronet of Rokeby Park. He inherited these titles after his brother passed away.

Becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society

In 1795, Matthew Montagu was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for people who have made important discoveries in science. To become a Fellow, you need to be nominated by other Fellows.

Some of the people who suggested Montagu for this honor included:

• Lord Arden
• Lucas Pepys
• J. Rennell
• John Sinclair
• G. Shuckburgh Evelyn
• William Marsden
• George, 16th Earl of Morton
• Pat Russell
• George Atwood
• John Henniker Major
• C. F. Greville

Personal Life and Family

Sandleford Priory (west front). Montagu inherited the lease from his renowned aunt.

On 9 July 1785, Matthew Montagu married Elizabeth Charlton. She was the daughter of Francis Charlton. Matthew and Elizabeth had a large family with six sons and seven daughters.

Some of their children included:

• Edward Montagu, 5th Baron Rokeby (1787–1847). He never married.
• Henry Robinson-Montagu, 6th Baron Rokeby (1798–1883).
• Hon. John Montagu (died 1848), who was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Coldstream Guards, a famous army regiment.
• Hon. Elizabeth Montagu (died 1875).
• Hon. Catherine Montagu (died 1865).
• Hon. Spencer Dudley Montagu (1807–1882), who was a cricketer.
• Hon. Caroline Montagu (died 1867).
• Hon. Jane Montagu (died 1857), who married a politician named Henry Goulburn.
• Hon. Mary Montagu (died 1877).
• Hon. Eleanor Montagu (died 1847).
• Hon. Emily Montague (died 1832), who never married.

Matthew's wife, Elizabeth, passed away on 7 March 1817. This was before he received his title as Baron. Lord Rokeby himself died on 1 September 1831 at Montagu House, Portman Square.

His oldest son, Edward, inherited his titles. When Edward died in 1847, the titles then went to Matthew's younger son, Henry. After Henry's death, the titles of Baronet and Baron became extinct, meaning there were no more direct heirs to carry them on.