| ![Show Contents]() Montagu History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of MontaguWhat does the name Montagu mean? The ancestors of the Montagu family brought their name to England in the wave of migration after the Norman Conquest of 1066. They lived in Somerset. The name, however, derives from the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Montaigu-Les-Bois in Coutance, Normandy. 1 "The Christian name of the distinguished soldier was Drogo, denominated 'de Montagu,' from a town in Normandy. In Domesday Book, he is styled Drogo de Montacuto." 2 Early Origins of the Montagu familyThe surname Montagu was first found in Somerset. In the Domesday Book Drogo de Montacuto held lands under Robert, Earl of Morton and was one of the companions of the Conqueror in his quest to conquer England. As half-brother of the Conqueror, "this Drogo fixed his chief residence at the castle of Shipton-Montacute, co, Somerset. " 2 Simon de Montacute, Lord of Shipton-Montacute was a strong warrior during the reign of Edward I, "a right valiant cheiftaine." "From this renowned soldier descended the illustrious race of Montague, conspicuous in all the great achievements of English history. " The parish of Montacute in Somerset holds a special significance to the family's lineage. "This place, in the time of the Saxons, was called Logaresburch, which is said to have been changed for its present name by William, Earl of Morton, who soon after the Conquest built a strong castle here, on the sharp point of a hill. " 3 Early History of the Montagu familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Montagu research. Another 192 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1086, 1350, 1400, 1428, 1485, 1530, 1557, 1559, 1563, 1602, 1603, 1616, 1636, 1642, 1644, 1661, 1665, 1671, 1677, 1678, 1684, 1689, 1715, 1761, 1762, 1793 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Montagu History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Montagu Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Montagu were recorded, including Montague, Montagu, Montegue, Montacute and others. Early Notables of the Montagu familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was - John Montacute, (1350-1400), 3rd Earl of Salisbury and 5th and 2nd Baron Montacute, English nobleman, one of the few who remained loyal to Richard II after Henry IV became king; James Montagu, Bishop...
- Sir Edward Wortley Montagu (1678-1761), British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and his wife Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762) was an English aristocrat, medical pioneer, writer, and poet
Migration of the Montagu family to IrelandSome of the Montagu family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Montagu migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Montagu Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- Sarah Montagu, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Stebonheath" in 1849 4
| Contemporary Notables of the name Montagu (post 1700) | + |
- Goerge Montagu (1753-1815), English officer and naturalist, known for his Ornithological Dictionary of 1802, one of the first authorities on Britain's birds, numerous birds are named after him including Montagu's harrier
- Ashley Francis Ashley- Montagu (b. 1905), born Israel Ehrenberg, A British anthropologist; the American Humanist Association named him the Humanist of the Year in 1995
- Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762), English aristocrat, letter writer and poet, best remembered for her letters from travels to the Ottoman Empire
- Elizabeth Montagu (1720-1800), English social reformer, patron of the arts, salonist, literary critic, and writer who was one of the founders and leaders of the Blue Stockings Society
- Charles Edgar Samuel Montagu (b. 1954), 5th Baron Swaythling, English peer
- Edward John Barrington Douglas-Scott- Montagu (1926-2015), 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, an English Conservative politician, best known for founding the National Motor Museum
- Edward Wortley Montagu (1713-1776), English author and traveller
- John Edward Hollister Montagu 11th Earl of Sandwich (1943-2025), British businessman and politician, was a crossbench member of the House of Lords from 1995 to 2024
- Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Montagu KB (b. 1777), British Army officer, Colonel of the 61st Regiment of Foot (1755-1760), Colonel of the 2nd (Queen's Royal) Regiment of Foot (1760-1777)
- Lord Robert Montagu PC (1825-1902), British Conservative politician, Vice-President of the Committee on Education (1867-1868)
- ... (Another 1 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Equitas actionum regula
Motto Translation: Let equity be the rule of our actions.
- The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
- Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
- State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) STEBONHEATH 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Stebonheath.htm
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