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William Montagu

Type Figure Region England Time 1301–1344 Also known as William, Earl of Salisbury

English noble and military commander, 1st Earl of Salisbury; born 1301, he became a leading commander after the Hundred Years' War began in 1337, won…

Timeline

  1. 1301–1330Dorset · DorsetBorn into the Montagu noble family in England, son of William Montagu I. He took part in the 1328 coup arresting Roger Mortimer, won Edward III's deep trust, was created 1st Earl of Salisbury in 1337, and entered the kingdom's core decision-making circle.
  2. 1337–1340Brittany · BrittanyCommissioned by Edward III after the war broke out, he led forces in Brittany supporting the pro-English Montfort family, contending for years with the French and the Blois faction. Between 1338 and 1340 he organized several landings and sieges, consolidating England's military presence in Brittany.
  3. 1341Auberoche · AquitaineIn October 1341 he led over three hundred knights in a night raid on the French camp, defeating a larger French force at Auberoche and capturing many prisoners and supplies. The battle is praised as one of the finest surprise attacks of the Hundred Years' War and greatly boosted English morale.
  4. 1344Auberoche · AquitaineIn January 1344, while besieging the castle of Auberoche, he was struck and killed by a trebuchet during a chaotic counterattack by French reinforcements. Edward III deeply mourned his death; his funeral was held with grand knightly honors and he was buried at Basingstoke.

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