William Montagu, 2nd Earl of Salisbury facts for kids
William Montagu, 2nd Earl of Salisbury, 4th Baron Montagu, and King of Mann (born June 25, 1328 – died June 3, 1397), was an important English nobleman. He was a brave commander in the English army during King Edward III's campaigns in France, which were part of the long Hundred Years War. He was also one of the first knights to join the special Order of the Garter.
Quick facts for kids William II of Mann |
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| Earl of Salisbury Baron Montagu |
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"Conte de Salisbery, Will(ia)m", William de Montagu, 2nd Earl of Salisbury, KG, illustration from the Bruges Garter Book, c.1430. The arms of Monthermer (Or, an eagle displayed vert beaked and membered gules) shown quartered by Montagu on his tabard are apparently incorrect, as it was his younger brother John de Montagu, 1st Baron Montagu (c. 1330 – c. 1390) who married the Monthermer heiress.
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| King of Mann | |
| Reign | 30 January 1344 – 3 June 1397 |
| Predecessor | William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury |
| Successor | William le Scrope, 1st Earl of Wiltshire |
| Born | 25 June 1328 Donyatt, Somerset, England |
| Died | 3 June 1397 (aged 68) |
| Spouse | Joan of Kent Elizabeth de Mohun |
| Father | William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury |
| Mother | Catherine Grandison |
Contents
Early Life and Family
William Montagu was born on June 25, 1328, in Donyatt, a place in Somerset, England. He was the oldest son of William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury and his wife, Catherine Grandison.
William also had a sister named Philippa. She later married Roger Mortimer, 2nd Earl of March. When William's father passed away in 1344, William took over his father's important title as the Earl of Salisbury.
Joining the Knights
In 1346, when William was 18, he became a Knight Bachelor. This was an important step for a young nobleman. Just two years later, in 1348, he was chosen to be one of the first knights of the Order of the Garter. This was a very special honor created by King Edward III.
His First Marriage
In the early 1340s, William Montagu married Joan of Kent. She was a princess of England and a cousin of the King. William and Joan were both teenagers at the time.
However, it turned out that Joan had secretly married another man, Thomas Holland, before she married William. When Thomas Holland returned to England, he said that Joan was his wife. An investigation was held, and it was decided that Joan's marriage to Thomas Holland was valid. Because of this, William's marriage to Joan was officially canceled by the Pope in 1349.
A Skilled Military Leader
Even though his first marriage was annulled, William Montagu became a very successful military leader. He quickly moved up in the army because he was so good at his job.
Fighting in France
William served as a commander for the English forces in France many times.
- In 1355, he commanded the rear guard of Edward the Black Prince's army.
- He fought bravely at the famous Battle of Poitiers in 1356.
- He continued to serve in campaigns in 1357, 1359, and 1360.
Later in 1360, he was one of the people who helped negotiate the Treaty of Brétigny. This treaty brought a time of peace between England and France.
Serving the King
During this peaceful time, William Montagu worked closely with King Edward III as part of the king's council. He returned to fighting in 1369, joining John of Gaunt's expedition to northern France. He also helped King Richard II stop the rebellion led by Wat Tyler in 1381. In 1385, he went with King Richard II on a trip to Scotland.
William Montagu also held the title of Lord of the Isle of Man. In 1392 or 1393, he sold this important title to William le Scrope, 1st Earl of Wiltshire.
His Second Marriage and Family
William Montagu later married Elizabeth, who was the daughter of John de Mohun. They had one son and two daughters. They lived at Bisham Manor in Berkshire.
Their only son, also named William, married Lady Elizabeth FitzAlan. Sadly, their son was killed in a tournament in 1383 and did not have any children. Because of this, when William Montagu, the 2nd Earl of Salisbury, died in 1397, his nephew, John Montagu, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, inherited his title.
