Montgomerie family facts for kids
Quick facts for kids de Montgomerie |
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 Coat of Arms of the House of Montgomery |
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| Founded | c. 11th century |
The de Montgomerie family, also known as Montgomery, was a very important noble family. They came from Normandy, a region in France. This family was powerful in both France and England. Around the early 1100s, they were one of the leading families. One of their members, Robert de Bellême, was among the richest and most powerful nobles. The family was later connected to the House of Belleme.
Contents
The Montgomerie Family Story
How the Family Became Important
The Montgomerie family first became well-known in the 900s. This was in the new Duchy of Normandy. Roger de Montgomery, seigneur of Montgomery, was related to Duchess Gunnor. She was the wife of Duke Richard I of Normandy. Duke Richard was the great-grandfather of William the Conqueror.
The elder Roger de Montgomery owned many lands in Normandy. His son, also named Roger, inherited these lands. This younger Roger was a key advisor to William the Conqueror. He helped William plan the invasion of England. He agreed to provide sixty ships for the journey.
Joining the Norman Conquest
Roger de Montgomery joined William in his conquest of England in 1066. He brought his own army to help. For his support, William rewarded him with many estates and important titles. Roger became known as "Roger the Great."
He was made the first Earl of Shrewsbury, Arundel, and Sussex. The county of Montgomeryshire in Wales was named after him. Through marriage, he also gained titles like seigneur de Bellême. He also became count of Alençon and count of Ponthieu.
Challenges and Changes
After Roger's death in 1094, the Welsh attacked his lands in Wales. They took over most of his estates. Only Pembroke Castle remained standing.
In the early 1100s, the family supported Robert Curthose. He was trying to become King of England. But his brother, Henry I of England, won the war. Because of this, the Montgomerie family lost many of their lands and wealth. This was a big reason for their decline in power.
Many family members had to leave England. One of them was Arnulf de Montgomery. He made an alliance with the High King of Ireland, Muirchertach Ua Briain. Arnulf married the King's daughter. After this, many Montgomerie family members formed alliances with other noble families across Europe. These included the House of FitzGerald and the House of Burgundy.
Important Family Members
- Roger de Montgomery, seigneur of Montgomery (died 1048): He was a relative of William the Conqueror. He was also a grandnephew of Archbishop Robert II. Robert II was a regent for William in Normandy.
- Roger de Montgomery, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury (died 1094): He was a key advisor to William the Conqueror. He owned a huge amount of land in England. His wealth was a significant part of England's economy.
- Hugh of Montgomery, 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury (died 1098): He was also known as Hugh the Red. He fought against the King of Norway, Magnus Barefoot. This battle happened at the Battle of Anglesey Sound.
- Arnulf de Montgomery (around 1066 - around 1120): He married Lafracota, the daughter of the King of Munster. He settled in Pembroke. He was known as the Earl of Pembroke.
- Robert de Bellême (died 1130): He was the 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury. He was also the Count of Ponthieu. Robert was a very important Anglo-Norman nobleman. He played a big role in the fight for the English and Norman thrones. He owned 34 castles and was the richest noble in both England and Normandy.
- Matilda de Montgomery: She married Robert, Count of Mortain. He was the 2nd Earl of Cornwall. Robert was also the half-brother of William the Conqueror.
- William III of Ponthieu (around 1093 – 1172): He married Helie of Burgundy. She was the daughter of Eudes I, Duke of Burgundy. William inherited the county of Ponthieu through his mother.
- William IV, Count of Ponthieu: He married Princess Alys. She was the daughter of Louis VII, King of France. Alys was originally supposed to marry Richard the Lionheart.
See also
- House of Bellême
- Count of Ponthieu
- Counts of Alençon
- Earls of Eaglesham, Eglinton and Ardrossan
- Clan Montgomery
