Charles Montagu, Statesman and Poet
Charles Montagu was an English statesman who also had some acclaim as a poet. He was born in the town of Horton in Northamptonshire on April 16, 1661, the fifth son to the 1st Earl of Manchester, George Montagu. He began his early education close to his hometown but later moved to Westminster.
While at Westminster in 1677, Charles Montagu was fortunate enough to be chosen as a King's Scholar. It was also around this time that he made the acquaintance and subsequently became very close friends with George Stepney.
When Stepney moved to Cambridge in 1682, Charles requested the school authorities for permission to be allowed to enrol in Cambridge as well. The then Master of Trinity College, Dr. John Montagu was a close relative of the family and he sponsored the young Charles.
It was at Cambridge that Charles made the acquaintance of a brilliant scientist named Isaac Newton. The two men began a friendship that would last for many years.
In 1685, Montagu had written some verses detailing the events surrounding the death of King Charles II of England. The Earl of Dorset came to know of this literary work and was sufficiently impressed to invite Montagu to his town and read his work. Montagu was also involved in the play "The City Mouse and The Country Mouse" which was loosely based on "The Hind and The Panther" of John Dryden. In this play, which was performed 1687, Montagu worked with Matthew Prior.
The year 1691 found Charles Montagu becoming a member of the House of Commons, where he campaigned strenuously for the passage of a law, which would allow people accused of high treason to receive the assistance of legal counsel. His argument for his case was bolstered by his own speech, when in the midst of delivering it to the court he became quite upset.
After he had had sufficient time to compose himself, he used his own behaviour to justify his cause, saying that if even he, a member of the legal body, would become so agitated in a court of law, then much more so would someone accused of a grave crime such as high treason.
Charles Montagu had a successful tenure at the House of Commons after which he went on to greater achievements by becoming a Commissioner of the Treasury and a member of the Privy Council. This was followed in 1694 by his appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer and his involvement in the recoinage project of 1695.
His position as Commissioner of the Treasury also made him a regent in the absence of the King. A position as Auditor of the Exchequer followed shortly and a year later, Charles Montagu was made a Baron Halifax, of Halifax, County of York.
The House of Commons brought an impeachment case against Charles Montagu some time later, but the House of Lords intervened and the charges were dismissed.
Charles Montagu died on May 19th, 1715 from complications arising from an inflammation in his lungs.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 25/07/2008
