William Montagu, 2nd Baron Montagu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Montagu, 2nd Baron Montagu
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Arms of Montagu: Argent, three fusils conjoined in fess gules
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| Born | c.1275 |
| Died | 18 October 1319 Gascony |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth de Montfort |
| Issue | John Montagu William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury Simon Montagu Edward Montagu, 1st Baron Montagu Alice Montagu Katherine Montagu Mary Montagu Elizabeth Montagu Hawise Montagu Maud Montagu Isabel Montagu |
| Father | Simon Montagu |
| Mother | Hawise St Amand, or Isabel (surname unknown) |
William Montagu, 2nd Baron Montagu (around 1275 – 18 October 1319) was an important English nobleman. He was a skilled soldier and worked closely with King Edward I and King Edward II.
William Montagu played a big part in the wars in Scotland and Wales. He also became the head of King Edward II's household. Later, the King sent him to Gascony (a region in France) as a governor, where he sadly passed away in 1319.
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Who Was William Montagu?
William Montagu was born around 1275. His father was Simon de Montagu, 1st Baron Montagu. His mother was either Hawise de St Amand or Isabel.
The Montagu family came from Normandy in France. They became very important in the southwest of England. They owned a lot of land in places like Somerset, Dorset, and Devon. William also had two brothers named John and Simon.
William Montagu's Career and Achievements
William Montagu spent much of his life serving the king in wars. He fought in Scotland, Wales, and even in other parts of Europe.
Fighting in Scotland
William was a brave soldier in the First War of Scottish Independence. In 1301, he was called to serve the king with his knights. By 1303, he was put in charge of ships for the war.
In 1304, he was with King Edward I at the Siege of Stirling Castle. This was a big battle. That same year, he was briefly held in the Tower of London but was soon found innocent.
Becoming a Knight
On May 22, 1306, King Edward I made William Montagu a knight. The king's son, who would become King Edward II, was also knighted that day.
In 1307, William and his father fought together in Scotland. In 1309, he took part in a jousting tournament at Dunstable. He showed off his family's shield, which had three red diamond shapes on a silver background.
Important Roles and Castles
William Montagu had many important jobs for the king.
- In 1311, he checked the defenses of Hastings Castle and other castles.
- He was put in charge of Berkhamstead Castle in 1311.
- In 1314, he became the Keeper of Berwick Castle.
In 1313, he went with King Edward II and Queen Isabella of France to France for a special visit. He also served in Scotland again in 1313 and 1314.
Helping the King in England
In 1316, William helped stop a rebellion in Glamorgan led by Llywelyn Bren. He also went to Bristol to help solve disagreements between the town's people and the governor of Bristol Castle.
As a reward for his hard work, the king gave him the right to arrange a marriage for Joan de Verdun. She was a young noblewoman under the king's care. William arranged for her to marry his younger son, John Montagu, in 1317.
In November 1316, William became the Steward of the Household for King Edward II. This was a very important job, like being the chief manager of the king's home. He received money and land for this role.
In 1317, the king gave him permission to build a strong house (a "crenellated" house) at Cassington in Oxfordshire. He was also called to Parliament, showing he was a powerful nobleman.
In 1318, he became the Keeper of Abingdon Abbey. However, later that year, King Edward II sent him to Gascony as a governor. This might have been because of a disagreement with another powerful nobleman, Thomas of Lancaster.
William Montagu's Family Life
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Around 1292, William Montagu married Elizabeth de Montfort. Her father was Peter de Montfort. Elizabeth lived longer than William. She later remarried Sir Thomas Furnivall. Elizabeth passed away in 1354 and was buried in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.
William and Elizabeth had four sons and seven daughters:
Sons
- John Montagu (died 1317): He was their oldest son. He married Joan de Verdun, but they did not have children. John died before his father.
- William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury (1301–1344): He was the next oldest son and took over his father's title. He later became the first Earl of Salisbury.
- Simon Montacute (died 1345): He became a bishop, first in Worcester and then in Ely.
- Edward Montagu, 1st Baron Montagu (died 1361): He married twice and had children.
Daughters
- Alice Montagu: She was the oldest daughter and married Sir Ralph Daubeney.
- Katherine Montagu: She married Sir William Carrington.
- Mary Montagu: She married Sir Richard Cogan.
- Elizabeth Montagu: She became the Prioress of Holywell Priory.
- Hawise Montagu: She married Sir Roger Bavent.
- Maud Montagu: She became the Abbess of Barking Abbey.
When Did William Montagu Die?
William Montagu died in Gascony on October 18, 1319. We don't know exactly where he was buried, but it might have been at Bisham Priory.
Who Took Over After Him?
William Montagu's second son, William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury, took over his title. This son was very close to King Edward III and became a powerful Earl.
