Hugh Montgomery, 1st Viscount of the Great Ardes
Encyclopedia
Sir Hugh Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of the Great Ards (c. 1560 – 15 May 1636) was an aristocrat and a soldier, known as one of the "founding fathers" of the Ulster-Scots along with Sir James Hamilton, 1st Viscount Claneboye
. Montgomery was born in Ayrshire
at Broadstone Castle, near Beith
. He was the son of Adam Montgomery, the 5th Laird of Braidstane, by his wife and cousin.
and time spent at the royal court of France
, Montgomery served as a Captain of Foot of a Scottish Regiment under William I of Orange during the early parts of the Eighty Years' War. He returned to Scotland upon the death of his parents in 1587. He inherited his father's title as the Laird of Braidstane and married Elizabeth Shaw, who died in 1625.
Montgomery established a relationship with King James VI
. He was able to gain some influence in the king's court due to his correspondence with his brother George Montgomery
, who had been named Dean of Norwich
in 1602. The information contained in the correspondence was important to James as it included details on English politics.
and Clan Cunningham
. The feud dates to the 15th century when a Montgomery was named Bailie of Cunninghame by James II
, a post the Cunninghams claimed was rightfully theirs. The 4th Earl of Eglinton was assassinated by the Cunninghams at about the time of Montgomery's return to Scotland.
Montgomery's involvement in the feud began when he took offense at something that a Cunningham said. Cunningham fled to London
, then to Holland, where Montgomery caught up with him and confronted him in the Inner Court of the Palace at the Hague. Combating Cunningham with a sword, Montgomery delivered what he believing to be a killing thrust, but Cunningham's belt buckle deflected the blow. Montgomery believed he had killed Cunningham and made to leave the palace. He was arrested and imprisoned at Gevangenpoort in the Binnenhof. Montgomery broke out of jail with the help of a Scottish soldier.
Montgomery received a reprimand from King James but was soon back in favour. He accompanied the king to his coronation as King of England in spring 1603 after the death of Queen Elizabeth
.
in 1610). Looking for opportunity for advancement, Montgomery came into contact with the wife of Con O'Neill, a landowner in Ulster
, who was imprisoned at Carrickfergus Castle
for instigating rebellion against the Queen. Montgomery and Ellis O'Neill (the wife) made a deal that the O'Neills would give half of their land to him if he could free Con and secure for him a royal pardon. Montgomery sent a relative to Ireland to lead the jailbreak, which was successful.
At this point, James Hamilton interfered with the negotiations with the King, securing for himself a share of the land in question with the resultant shares being one-third each for Hamilton, Montgomery and O'Neill, who gained pardon. (Montgomery also secured for his brother George, title as Bishop of Derry and Raphoe
.) Montgomery and Hamilton recruited Scots of many families and trades to populate their settlement. In May 1606 the first wave of settlers arrived. Montgomery settled at Newtownards
and soon established a trade route between Donaghadee
in Ireland and Portpatrick
in Scotland.
In 1613, Montgomery, along with Hamilton, represented the settlement to the Irish House of Commons
. At Donaghadee he built a large stone quay to accommodate vessels ferrying between Scotland and Ireland from 1616 onwards. On May 3, 1622, Montgomery was made Viscount Montgomery
.
Montgomery may have been given a Scottish State funeral
in Newtownards on 8 September 1636. Montgomery’s coat of arms (a fleur de lis and hand above a crescent) survives today as part of the crest of Ards Borough Council, and in the school badge for Regent House Grammar School
, Newtownards. His son Hugh Montgomery, 2nd Viscount Montgomery of the Great Ards, succeeded him, married in 1623 Lady Jean Alexander, who died in 1670, daughter of the 1st Earl of Stirling
, and died on 15 November 1642. Their son was Hugh Montgomery, 1st Earl of Mount Alexander
. Actress Flora Montgomery
is his descendant.
James Hamilton, 1st Viscount Claneboye
James Hamilton, 1st Viscount Claneboye was a Scot who became owner of large tracts of land in County Down, Ireland, and founded a successful Protestant Scots settlement there several years before the Plantation of Ulster...
. Montgomery was born in Ayrshire
Ayrshire
Ayrshire is a registration county, and former administrative county in south-west Scotland, United Kingdom, located on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. Its principal towns include Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine. The town of Troon on the coast has hosted the British Open Golf Championship twice in the...
at Broadstone Castle, near Beith
Beith
Beith is a small town situated in the Garnock Valley in North Ayrshire, Scotland approximately 20-miles south-west of Glasgow. The town is situated on the crest of a hill and was known originally as the "Hill o' Beith" after its Court Hill.-History:-Name:Beith's name is thought to emanate from...
. He was the son of Adam Montgomery, the 5th Laird of Braidstane, by his wife and cousin.
Early career
After being educated at University of GlasgowUniversity of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's four ancient universities. Located in Glasgow, the university was founded in 1451 and is presently one of seventeen British higher education institutions ranked amongst the top 100 of the...
and time spent at the royal court of France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Montgomery served as a Captain of Foot of a Scottish Regiment under William I of Orange during the early parts of the Eighty Years' War. He returned to Scotland upon the death of his parents in 1587. He inherited his father's title as the Laird of Braidstane and married Elizabeth Shaw, who died in 1625.
Montgomery established a relationship with King James VI
James I of England
James VI and I was King of Scots as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from the union of the English and Scottish crowns on 24 March 1603...
. He was able to gain some influence in the king's court due to his correspondence with his brother George Montgomery
George Montgomery (bishop)
The Rt. Rev. Dr. George Montgomery was a Scottish churchman, promoted by James VI and I to Irish bishoprics.-Life:He was the brother of Hugh Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery, who used his influence on George's behalf. After James I had made him Dean of Norwich in 1603, he was appointed the...
, who had been named Dean of Norwich
Dean of Norwich
The Dean of Norwich is the head of the Chapter of Norwich Cathedral in Norwich, England. The current Dean is the Very Revd Graham Charles Morell Smith.*1538-1539 William Castleton, first dean*1539-1554 John Salisbury*1554-1557 John Christopherson...
in 1602. The information contained in the correspondence was important to James as it included details on English politics.
Montgomery–Cunningham feud
Montgomery became involved in the centuries-old feud between Clan MontgomeryClan Montgomery
-Origins of the Clan:Clan Montgomery originated in Wales, and emigrated to Scotland in the 12th century as vassals of the FitzAlans. The family derives its surname from lands in Wales, likely from the Honour of Montgomery which was located near the Shropshire lands of the FitzAlans...
and Clan Cunningham
Clan Cunningham
Clan Cunningham is a Scottish clan. The clan does not currently have a chief, therefore it is considered an Armigerous clan by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, though recently two contenders for the chiefship have emerged...
. The feud dates to the 15th century when a Montgomery was named Bailie of Cunninghame by James II
James II of Scotland
James II reigned as King of Scots from 1437 to his death.He was the son of James I, King of Scots, and Joan Beaufort...
, a post the Cunninghams claimed was rightfully theirs. The 4th Earl of Eglinton was assassinated by the Cunninghams at about the time of Montgomery's return to Scotland.
Montgomery's involvement in the feud began when he took offense at something that a Cunningham said. Cunningham fled to London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, then to Holland, where Montgomery caught up with him and confronted him in the Inner Court of the Palace at the Hague. Combating Cunningham with a sword, Montgomery delivered what he believing to be a killing thrust, but Cunningham's belt buckle deflected the blow. Montgomery believed he had killed Cunningham and made to leave the palace. He was arrested and imprisoned at Gevangenpoort in the Binnenhof. Montgomery broke out of jail with the help of a Scottish soldier.
Montgomery received a reprimand from King James but was soon back in favour. He accompanied the king to his coronation as King of England in spring 1603 after the death of Queen Elizabeth
Elizabeth I of England
Elizabeth I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty...
.
Ulster Settlement
Montgomery's friendship with the king was useful to him next in establishing a Settlement in Ireland in 1606 (preceding the Plantation of UlsterPlantation of Ulster
The Plantation of Ulster was the organised colonisation of Ulster—a province of Ireland—by people from Great Britain. Private plantation by wealthy landowners began in 1606, while official plantation controlled by King James I of England and VI of Scotland began in 1609...
in 1610). Looking for opportunity for advancement, Montgomery came into contact with the wife of Con O'Neill, a landowner in Ulster
Ulster
Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
, who was imprisoned at Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle is a Norman castle in Northern Ireland, situated in the town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim, on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the castle played an important military role until 1928 and remains one of the best...
for instigating rebellion against the Queen. Montgomery and Ellis O'Neill (the wife) made a deal that the O'Neills would give half of their land to him if he could free Con and secure for him a royal pardon. Montgomery sent a relative to Ireland to lead the jailbreak, which was successful.
At this point, James Hamilton interfered with the negotiations with the King, securing for himself a share of the land in question with the resultant shares being one-third each for Hamilton, Montgomery and O'Neill, who gained pardon. (Montgomery also secured for his brother George, title as Bishop of Derry and Raphoe
Bishop of Derry and Raphoe
The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe is the Church of Ireland Ordinary of the united Diocese of Derry and Raphoe in the Province of Armagh.The united diocese has two Episcopal sees, one at St Columb's Cathedral, Derry in Northern Ireland, and the other at the Cathedral Church of St. Eunan, Raphoe in the...
.) Montgomery and Hamilton recruited Scots of many families and trades to populate their settlement. In May 1606 the first wave of settlers arrived. Montgomery settled at Newtownards
Newtownards
Newtownards is a large town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies at the most northern tip of Strangford Lough, 10 miles east of Belfast, on the Ards Peninsula. Newtownards is the largest town in the Borough of Ards. According to the 2001 Census, it has a population of 27,821 people in...
and soon established a trade route between Donaghadee
Donaghadee
Donaghadee is a small town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies on the northeast coast of the Ards Peninsula, about east of Belfast and about six miles south east of Bangor. It had a population of 6,470 people in the 2001 Census...
in Ireland and Portpatrick
Portpatrick
Portpatrick is a village hanging on to the extreme south-westerly tip of mainland Scotland, cut into a cleft in steep cliffs.Dating back historically some 500 years, and built adjacent to the ruins of nearby Dunskey Castle, its position on the Rhins of Galloway affords visitors views of the...
in Scotland.
In 1613, Montgomery, along with Hamilton, represented the settlement to the Irish House of Commons
Irish House of Commons
The Irish House of Commons was the lower house of the Parliament of Ireland, that existed from 1297 until 1800. The upper house was the House of Lords...
. At Donaghadee he built a large stone quay to accommodate vessels ferrying between Scotland and Ireland from 1616 onwards. On May 3, 1622, Montgomery was made Viscount Montgomery
Earl of Mount Alexander
Earl of Mount Alexander was a title in the Peerage of Ireland. It was created in 1661 for Hugh Montgomery, 3rd Viscount Montgomery. He was the grandson of Hugh Montgomery, known as one of the "founding fathers" of the Ulster Scots, who was raised to the Peerage of Ireland as Viscount Montgomery, of...
.
Montgomery may have been given a Scottish State funeral
State funeral
A state funeral is a public funeral ceremony, observing the strict rules of protocol, held to honor heads of state or other important people of national significance. State funerals usually include much pomp and ceremony as well as religious overtones and distinctive elements of military tradition...
in Newtownards on 8 September 1636. Montgomery’s coat of arms (a fleur de lis and hand above a crescent) survives today as part of the crest of Ards Borough Council, and in the school badge for Regent House Grammar School
Regent House Grammar School
Regent House Grammar School is a co-ed voluntary grammar school situated in Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland. It comprises two parts: the preparatory department, known as "the Prep" and the main school itself...
, Newtownards. His son Hugh Montgomery, 2nd Viscount Montgomery of the Great Ards, succeeded him, married in 1623 Lady Jean Alexander, who died in 1670, daughter of the 1st Earl of Stirling
Earl of Stirling
Earl of Stirling was a title in the Peerage of Scotland created on 14 June 1633, along with the titles Viscount Canada and Lord Alexander of Tullibody, for William Alexander, 1st Viscount Stirling. He had already been created Viscount of Stirling and Lord Alexander of Tullibody on 4 September 1630...
, and died on 15 November 1642. Their son was Hugh Montgomery, 1st Earl of Mount Alexander
Hugh Montgomery, 1st Earl of Mount Alexander
Hugh Montgomery, 1st Earl of Mount Alexander , known as The Viscount Montgomery from 1642 to 1661, was an Irish peer. He was appointed to command his father's regiment, 1642. He was commander-in-chief of the Royalist army in Ulster in 1649 and seized successively Belfast, Antrim, and Carrickfergus...
. Actress Flora Montgomery
Flora Montgomery
Flora Anne Selina Montgomery is a Northern Irish actress.-Early life and family:She was born at her family's ancestral home in Greyabbey, Newtownards, Ards, County Down, Ulster, Northern Ireland, and educated at Rockport School, daughter of William Howard Clive Montgomery of Rosemount House and of...
is his descendant.