Edward Montagu Earl, English admiral Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Edward Montagu
2. Early Military Career
3. Second Anglo-Dutch War
4. Relationship with Samuel Pepys

Biography of Edward Montagu

Edward Montagu, also known as the Earl of Sandwich, was an English admiral and military officer. He was born as the only surviving son of Sir Sydney Montagu and was raised in the Hinchingbrooke House.

Early Military Career

In June 1643, Montagu served the Parliament, commanding a regiment of infantry. He later transferred to the navy and in 1656, he became a naval general. After the English Restoration, he served as an admiral under Charles II. He commanded a fleet that was reinstated to him after his exile in May 1660. Two months later, on July 12, 1660, he was elevated to the titles of Baron Montagu of St Neots, Viscount Hinchingbrooke, and Earl of Sandwich. King Charles also bestowed upon him the title of Knight of the Garter and appointed him to lead the Great Wardrobe. Edward Montagu was also appointed as the admiral and lieutenant admiral to the Duke of York, who was the Lord High Admiral of England. He carried the St. Edward's Sceptre during Charles's coronation.

Second Anglo-Dutch War

Edward Montagu took part in the Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665-1667). He fought at the Battle of Lowestoft, but the defeat led to his temporary removal from service. He was later called upon to resume his duties. By the start of the Third Anglo-Dutch War in 1672, he had risen to the rank of Vice-Admiral and sailed under the flag of the "Royal James." During the Battle of Solebay, his ship came under heavy fire from the enemy and was destroyed. A significant number of lives were lost, including the Earl of Sandwich himself. His charred remains were washed ashore, and Edward Montagu could only be identified by the remnants of his clothing. He was buried on July 3, 1672, at Westminster Abbey after state funerals that began with a procession along the River Thames, where five decorated barges were launched into the river at Deptford.

Relationship with Samuel Pepys

Montagu was the uncle of Samuel Pepys' father. Edward Montagu played a significant role in Pepys' career advancement, and Pepys detailed Montagu's career in the 1660s in his famous diary. Montagu was married to Jemima Crew on November 7, 1642. They had ten children together.