History and genealogy of Peter Montague, of Nansemond and ...

INTRODUCTION.
Montagues in Great Britain.
In the old Chronicles of France, mention is made of forty-seven
different incursions by various Scandinavian bands called Northmen.
The most important of these, under the command of Rollo the Dane,
resulted in the permanent occupation of a large province which was.
subsequently called Normandy. " It was thus the settlement of these
northern pirates," says Freeman, " which finally made Gaul French
in the modern sense. It was at the same time the alliance with
Romanic France which brought the Northmen fully under the influence
of French language, law and custom, which made them Normans, the
foremost Apostles alike of French chivalry and Latin Christianity."
In this province and of this people was born on the 14th of October
1024, William, Duke of Normandy, the bold leader in the Norman
conquest of England " the great turning point in the history of the
English nation."
In this province also flourished, one thousand years ago, the
Norman family of Montagu. They were seated probably at Montagu-
les-Bois in the district of Coutances of which place it was said " Its
ancient lords were famous in the middle ages." The name and
family of Montagu was probably prominent and distinguished at that
time, for we find mountains, castles, fortresses and towns bearing
their name.
History has at least recorded the name of one of the family who
held at that time an important position of trust and honor.
I. Drogo de Montagu (or as it was written in Latin, de Monte-
acuto, and Montacute) was born about the year 1040. He became
the trusted companion, follower, and intimate friend of Robert, earl
of Moriton (or Mortain), the favorite brother of William, Duke of
Normandy.