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Elizabeth Montagu
Elizabeth Montagu
Courtesy of
Walter Scott (c. 1947)
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Elizabeth
Montagu was born in 1720 in York,
Yorkshire to Elizabeth and Matthew Robinson.
She was the oldest child, nicknamed “fidget”
by her family. Two of her siblings, John
Sawbridge and Sarah
Scott, would see also become involved
in writing in their adult lives.
In 1742, Elizabeth married Edward
Montagu and had one son with him. Her son, John
(nicknamed “Punch”) died in 1744,
devastating Elizabeth. Her sister Sarah remained
close to her throughout her adult life, but struggled
to accept her marriage to Edward. |
Elizabeth is credited as the “Queen of the
Blues” and thecreator
of Bluestocking salon culture in 18th century
London. Her roles as hostess, facilitator and
sponsor were the most important things she did
as a Bluestocking. Her own publication and writing
work was minimal compared to others, but, by hosting
and creating the meetings, Elizabeth was integral
in the development of Bluestocking culture.
Her large association and writing circle included
Frances Boscawen,
Edmund Burke, Hester
Chapone, Mary Delaney, David Garrick, Dorothea
Gregory, Lady Margaret Harley, Samuel Johnson,
Lord Lyttleton, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Hester
Thrale, Horace Walpole, and Elizabeth
Vesey.
Many of Elizabeth’s ideals aligned with the overall
goals of the Bluestocking circle. Elizabeth allowed
patrons to her meetings based on personal merit alone,
which was a unique and unusual aspect of Bluestocking
culture. All of Elizabeth’s contemporaries looked
to her as the epitome of female intellect and taste;
Elizabeth was an example of how a woman could be intellectual,
moral, and a useful member of society.
Elizabeth’s writings were mainly letters. In
a letter in 1757, Elizabeth first makes mention of the
Bluestocking circle. She did publish An Essay on
the Writings and Genius of Shakespeare (1769).
Elizabeth died in 1800 at Montagu House, Portman Square.
She was buried in Winchester Cathedral.
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