Richard Montagu facts for kids

Richard Montagu (or Mountague) (1577 – 13 April 1641) was an English church leader and high-ranking church official. He was known for his strong opinions and for writing books that caused a lot of debate during his time.

Early Life and Education

Richard Montagu was born in late 1577 in Dorney, Buckinghamshire. His father, Laurence Mountague, was a local church leader there. Richard went to Eton, a famous school.

In 1594, he earned a scholarship to King's College, Cambridge, a university. He became a junior fellow (a kind of teacher or researcher) there by 1597. He earned his first university degree (BA) in 1598, followed by an MA in 1602, and a BD (Bachelor of Divinity) in 1609.

Montagu helped Sir Henry Savile with his writing projects at Eton. He also edited a book called The two Invectives of Gregory Nazianzen against Julian in 1610.

Early Church Roles

In 1610, Montagu became the church leader of Wootton Courtney, Somerset. In 1613, he became a Fellow at Eton and also took on the role of rector (another church leader position) at Stanford Rivers, Essex.

He continued to rise in the church. In 1616, he became the Dean of Hereford. The next year, he exchanged this role for a canonry (a position in a cathedral) at Windsor. He also became the Archdeacon of Hereford in 1617. He was also the rector of Petworth, Sussex, where he rebuilt the church house. King James I even made him his personal chaplain.

Controversial Writings

Montagu became known as a writer who wasn't afraid to share his strong views. After a scholar named Isaac Casaubon died in 1614, King James I asked Montagu to publish Casaubon's work. This book came out the same year. In 1615, the King asked Montagu to write another book, Analecta Ecclesiasticarum Exercitationum, which was published in 1622. In this book, Montagu wanted to show that the Church of England's beliefs came from the very first Christian teachings. He aimed to defend the Church of England against its critics.

Debates on Church Beliefs

Montagu also got involved in a debate about church taxes with John Selden in 1621.

He then wrote a book called A Gagg for the New Gospell? No. A New Gagg for an old Goose in 1624. This book was a reply to a pamphlet that had criticized the Church of England. Montagu used his book to explain what the Church of England truly believed. He also defended himself against accusations that he supported "praying to saints and angels."

His writings caused a lot of discussion. Two church ministers, John Yates and Nathaniel Ward, complained about his book. The House of Commons (part of the government) even looked into it. King James I, however, supported Montagu's work, saying, "If that is to be a Papist, so am I a Papist."

Appello Caesarem Controversy

The debates around Montagu's ideas became very important between 1625 and 1629. They even helped set the mood for the reign of King Charles I. Montagu had strong support from three bishops: John Buckeridge, John Howson, and William Laud.

In 1625, Montagu published Appello Caesarem: a just Appeale from two unjust Informers. This book was partly to defend himself. It also challenged some ideas of Calvinism, a branch of Protestantism.

Parliament's Reaction

The House of Commons was very unhappy with Montagu's book. They accused him of disrespecting the late King James I. After a debate, Montagu was taken into custody. However, he was allowed to go home after promising to return.

King Charles I then made Montagu one of his own chaplains. He told the Commons that he was displeased with their actions. Soon after, Parliament was temporarily stopped. When Parliament met again, Montagu was too ill to attend. The matter was put aside for a while.

However, the issue was too serious to be forgotten. In January 1626, King Charles ordered a meeting. Several bishops, including George Montaigne, Richard Neile, Lancelot Andrewes, John Buckeridge, and William Laud, reported to George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham that Montagu's writings were in line with the Church of England's teachings.

York House Conference

A very important meeting, known as the York House Conference, took place in February 1626. It was held at the home of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham. This conference was set up by Robert Rich, 2nd Earl of Warwick.

At the conference, Bishop Thomas Morton and John Preston spoke against Montagu's views. Bishop Buckeridge, supported by Francis White and John Cosin, defended Montagu's ideas. A second meeting was held a few days later, where Montagu himself defended his arguments against Morton and Preston. Many important people attended these discussions, but no one changed their minds.

Later Developments

The House of Commons continued to criticize Montagu's book, the Appello. They asked the King to punish Montagu and burn his book. However, the King issued a statement in June 1626, telling everyone to stop debating these controversial points.

In March 1628, the House of Commons again formed a committee to look into the cases of Montagu and other church leaders.

Montagu still had strong supporters at court, especially Laud and Buckingham. When George Carleton, a bishop who opposed Montagu, died, Montagu was appointed to take his place as Bishop of Chichester. He officially became bishop in July 1628. A critical pamphlet against him was published in 1629. The House of Commons again took up the matter. Attempts were made to calm the situation, including a special pardon for Montagu and a ban on his book, Appello Caesarem.

Bishop of Norwich

As a bishop, Montagu lived in Aldingbourne and Petworth. He continued his research into church history and published several books. In 1638, he was working on a book about the Eucharist (Holy Communion).

Montagu was later appointed Bishop of Norwich. He was elected on 4 May 1638. He had been suffering from various illnesses, including a fever, gout, and kidney stones.

He was again criticized in the House of Commons in February 1641. A committee was appointed to look into his actions. However, before any further steps were taken, Richard Montagu died on 13 April 1641. He was buried in Norwich Cathedral.

Works

Besides the books mentioned above, Richard Montagu also wrote:

• Antidiatribae ad priorern partem diatribes J. Caesaris Bulengeri, 1625.
• Eusebii de Demonstratione Evangelica libri decem ... omnia studio R. M. Latine facta, notis illustrata, 1628.
• Apparatus ad Origines Ecclesiasticas, 1635.
• De Originibus Ecclesiasticis, first part, 1636; second part, 1640.
• Articles of Inquiry put forth at his Primary Visitation as Bishop of Norwich, 1638.
• Acts and Monuments of the Church, 1642.
• Versio et Notae in Photii Epistolas, 1651.