Montague, Charles 1661-1715

Student and then patron of Newton. Montague came from an aristocratic background and attended Trinity College, Cambridge. During this time they attempted to start a philosophical society in Cambridge, and after Montague left, would have met again when they were both members of the Convention Parliament in 1689. In 1694 Montague became Chancellor of the Exchequer, and in this capacity was able to influence Newton's appointment as Warden of the Mint in 1696. He became the first Earl of Halifax in 1700, but his political career never flourished again. He died in 1715 from pneumonia. Voltaire alleged that Newton's niece, Catherine Barton, had been Montague's mistress and it has also been suggested that they were married in secret. She certainly benefitted in his will.

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