Edward Wortley Montagu, English explorer and author (b. 1713)

Edward Wortley Montagu (May 15, 1713 – April 29, 1776) was an English figure who combined the roles of author, traveler, and sometimes, adventurer. Born into a prominent aristocratic family, he was the son of Edward Wortley Montagu, a distinguished diplomat and Member of Parliament, and the celebrated writer and intrepid traveler, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. It was from his mother, a woman known for her keen intellect and unconventional spirit, that Edward seems to have inherited much of his own talent and, indeed, his notable eccentricity, which would define a life of remarkable experiences and challenges.

A Pioneering Act: Smallpox Inoculation

Edward’s early years were marked by a truly groundbreaking medical event. In 1716, at a tender age, he accompanied his parents to Constantinople, then the capital of the Ottoman Empire and now modern-day Istanbul. While residing in Pera in March of 1716-1717, he underwent inoculation for smallpox. This procedure, introduced to Europe by his mother, Lady Mary, who had observed it firsthand in the Ottoman Empire, involved deliberately exposing a person to a mild form of the disease to induce immunity. Edward Wortley Montagu thus holds the unique distinction of being the first native of the United Kingdom known to have received this revolutionary medical procedure, a significant moment in the history of preventative medicine.

A Rebellious Youth and Unconventional Education

Upon his parents’ return to England in 1718, young Edward was enrolled at the prestigious Westminster School. However, the structured environment proved ill-suited to his restless spirit, and he famously ran away on more than one occasion. His first notable escapade occurred in July 1726, when he was discovered in Oxford, and it required considerable effort to "reduce him to the humble condition of a school-boy" once more. Not long after, in August 1727, he decamped again, remaining elusive for several months, causing his family considerable distress.

His tutor, a chaplain to the Duchess of Kingston named Forster, recounted two more daring disappearances. In one instance, after a year-long absence, Edward was found earning a living by selling fish in Blackwall, a stark departure from his privileged upbringing. The second time, he worked his passage to Oporto in Portugal. There, he deserted his post, ventured into the countryside, and found employment amidst the vineyards. His return to Oporto, however, in charge of a drove of asses, led to his arrest at the behest of the British consul. Identified and returned to his ship, he was ultimately restored to his anxious parents.

In an attempt to manage his adventurous nature, his parents arranged for him to travel with a tutor in the West Indies, followed by a period in the Netherlands, accompanied by a "keeper." Despite his rebellious streak, Edward demonstrated a profound intellectual curiosity, notably undertaking serious studies in Arabic at Leiden in 1741, a passion he would return to many years later. Throughout this period, he grappled with significant financial difficulties, receiving only a meager allowance from his father and accumulating considerable debt.

Military Service and Political Engagement

From 1743 to 1748, Edward Wortley Montagu served in the British army, contributing to the War of the Austrian Succession. He began his military career as a cornet in the 7th Dragoon Guards and later rose to the rank of captain-lieutenant in the 1st Regiment of Foot. His service included participation in the pivotal Battle of Fontenoy in 1745, a major engagement where British and Allied forces faced the French. He concluded his military tenure in 1748, transitioning into a life of politics and scholarship.

That same year, Edward was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdonshire, marking his entry into the political arena. He also played a role as one of the secretaries at the significant conference of Aix-la-Chapelle, which successfully concluded the War of the Austrian Succession, a testament to his diplomatic exposure.

However, his life in public service was not without controversy. In 1751, while in Paris, he became entangled in a notorious gaming dispute. Accused of cheating a Jewish man at cards and then robbing him when he refused to pay, Montagu was arrested and subsequently imprisoned for eleven days in the Châtelet. Although he was initially cleared after the first court hearing, the decision was overturned by the Parlement of Paris, which then ordered him to pay a substantial fine of 300 livres.

Despite this incident, he continued to serve in Parliament and pursued his intellectual interests. In 1759, he published Reflections on the Rise and Fall of the Antient Republics..., a work that showcased his scholarly engagement with classical history and political thought. His talents also extended to geography; while traveling in Italy, he meticulously designed and published a detailed map of the Ambracian Gulf and the island of Lefkas in northwestern Greece.

Later Life, Inheritance, and Legacy

Edward's relationship with his family remained complex. Upon his father's death, he received an annuity of £1000, while the vast majority of the family's estate was bequeathed to his sister, Lady Bute. This disparity in inheritance likely fueled his financial struggles and further contributed to his nomadic lifestyle. He embarked on extensive travels throughout the East, immersing himself in different cultures. The renowned painter George Romney famously depicted him in Venice, observing that he lived "in the Turkish manner," highlighting his deep cultural assimilation.

Montagu was a man of remarkable linguistic capabilities, fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, Chaldaic, and Persian, demonstrating an extraordinary dedication to oriental studies. He was also regarded as an excellent orator, possessing the ability to captivate audiences with his public speaking. Despite his intellectual prowess and adventurous spirit, his family often viewed him as eccentric, perhaps even "mad." His mother, Lady Mary, famously left him only a single guinea in her will, though her annuity did devolve to him upon her death, providing some financial stability later in his life.

Edward Wortley Montagu’s life, a tapestry woven with intellect, adventure, controversy, and exploration, came to an end on April 29, 1776, when he died in Padua, Italy. He remains a fascinating figure, embodying the spirit of an age of enlightenment and exploration, yet perpetually existing on the fringes of conventional society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who were Edward Wortley Montagu's parents?

He was the son of Edward Wortley Montagu, a diplomat and Member of Parliament, and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, a celebrated writer and traveler.

What was his significance regarding smallpox?

Edward Wortley Montagu was the first native of the United Kingdom to be inoculated against smallpox, a procedure introduced to Europe by his mother after she observed it in the Ottoman Empire.

What was his personality like?

He was known for his adventurous, rebellious, and eccentric nature, coupled with significant intellectual curiosity and linguistic talent.

Did he have a successful career?

He had a varied career, serving in the British army, as a Member of Parliament, and as a secretary at a significant diplomatic conference. He also authored a book and created a detailed map.

What controversies was he involved in?

Notably, he was involved in several youthful escapades, running away from school multiple times, and later faced arrest and a fine in Paris over a disreputable gaming quarrel.

Where did Edward Wortley Montagu travel?

His travels took him extensively across Europe (Constantinople, Oporto, Netherlands, Italy), to the West Indies, and for extended periods in the East, where he immersed himself in local cultures.

How did his family perceive him?

His family, particularly his mother, viewed him as eccentric or "mad," and his inheritance reflected this strained relationship.