Ralph Montagu 1638-1709

Ralph MONTAGU, 1st Duke of Montagu 1638-1709

Biographical Note

Born in London, 2nd son of Edward Montagu, 2nd Baron Montagu of Boughton (1616-1684).

Joint keeper of Hartleton Lodge in Richmond Park in 1661; gentleman of the horse for Anne, Duchess of York in 1662. Appointed ambassador-extraordinary in 1669. Politician and diplomat.

Characteristic Markings

Bookplate of Ralph Montagu, 1st Duke of Montagu (BM Franks Collection *11)

Used an engraved armorial bookplate dated 1705; books with his armorial stamp survive.

Sources

• British Armorial Bindings.
• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903.*11.
• Metzger, Edward Charles. "Montagu, Ralph, first duke of Montagu (bap. 1638, d. 1709), politician and diplomat." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.