Montagu Family Genealogy & History

Felicity Jane Montagu, born on 12 September 1960, is a renowned English actress celebrated for her versatile roles in film, television, theatre, and radio. Known for her memorable portrayal of Lynn Benfield in "Alan Partridge," Montagu has also made a significant impact with performances in "Bridget Jones's Diary," "Confetti," and "Dad's Army." Her television appearances span popular series like "Doc Martin," "Nighty Night," and "Suburban Shootout." A constant presence in radio since the 1980s, she has lent her voice to numerous BBC Radio 4 comedy programs, further cementing her status as a versatile artist.

Ewen Edward Samuel Montagu (1901–1985) was a prominent British judge, Naval intelligence officer, and author, best known for his crucial role in Operation Mincemeat. This innovative military deception during World War II successfully misled German forces about the Allied invasion of Sicily. Montagu's illustrious career included serving as president of the United Synagogue and the Anglo-Jewish Association, as well as a Judge Advocate of the Fleet. He authored significant works like "The Man Who Never Was," detailing the operation's success, further immortalized in film adaptations.

Born to Gladys, Baroness Swaythling, and Louis Montagu, 2nd Baron Swaythling, Ewen Montagu hailed from a distinguished Jewish family. He was married to Iris Solomon, with whom he had two children—Jeremy, a renowned musicologist, and Jennifer, an esteemed art historian.

Henry Pole, 1st Baron Montagu (circa 1492 – 1539), was an English nobleman executed for treason by King Henry VIII. He was knighted by the king in 1513 and became Baron Montagu in 1514. Active in politics, he served as justice of the peace in several counties and took part in the trial of Anne Boleyn. Montagu's downfall came with the Exeter Conspiracy, leading to his execution in January 1539, alongside other relatives accused of treason.

Henry Pole was the eldest son of Sir Richard Pole and Lady Margaret Plantagenet. His maternal grandfather, George Plantagenet, was brother to York kings Edward IV and Richard III. Through his grandmother, Isabel Neville, Henry was connected to Richard Neville, the influential 16th Earl of Warwick, known as "the Kingmaker," all of whom descended from King Edward III.

Edwin Samuel Montagu PC, a British Liberal politician, was notably the Secretary of State for India from 1917 to 1922, playing a pivotal role in the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and the Government of India Act 1919, which set India on a path towards dominion status. As a radical Liberal and one of the first practising Jews in the British cabinet, Montagu's political career included roles as Under-Secretary of State for India, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Despite his father's Zionist leanings, Montagu opposed Zionism and the Balfour Declaration, viewing it as problematic and anti-Semitic.

Edwin Montagu was the second son of Samuel Montagu, 1st Baron Swaythling, and his wife Ellen, daughter of Louis Cohen. His education spanned prestigious institutions, including Clifton College, University College London, and Trinity College, Cambridge. The Montagu family was of Jewish heritage, and this cultural background significantly influenced Edwin's personal and professional life, particularly in his opposition to Zionism.