John Montacute

John Montacute was a member of the highest English aristocracy. From his father he inherited the title of Baron Montagu, and from his uncle the title of the Earl of Salisbury. He did not inherit only titles, but also immense tracts of land.

John Montacute was born in a time when noble’s primary occupation was that of a military nature, and as such he served in France where he received knighthood, in 1369, from the Earl of Cambridge, in reward of his prowess at the Siege of Bourdeille. For the period between 1370 and 1390 it is hard to decide whether John Montacute refers to him or his father. Be as it may, in 1391 Montacute inherited his father’s titles and lands, and have obtained the King's license to go on a crusade into Prussia. In 1395 he inherited the Monthermer estates, upon the decease of his mother, Margaret Monthermer, and in 1397 he inherited titles and estates from his uncle William de Montacute. By this time John was among the most formidable English nobles and was appointed a member of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

By now Montacute was constantly near the person of the King and have served him loyally in diplomatic and military capacity. When Richard II (r. 1377-1399) was deposed by Henry IV (r. 1399-1413), Montacute joined a group of other barons in the Epiphany Rising, a plot to kill King Henry IV and restore Richard II. The plot failed and Montacue was caught by a mob of townspeople at Cirencester, held without trial, and executed by beheading on 7 January 1400.