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

INTRODUCTION. 1
obtained for John, his son-in-law, a grant of the Castle of Werk, on
condition of his fortifying it and keeping it in repair ; and for himself
a release of all his Majesty's claim, right and title, in the isle of Man,
and its appurtenances for him and his heirs forever. In 1335 he
was constituted governor of the Isles Guernsey, Jersey, Sark, Alder-
ney, and Seul. In 1336 he was made Constable of the Tower of
London, and in consideration of his great expenses in divers services
obtained a grant of the forest of Selkirk and Ellerick, with the town
and County of Selkirk in Scotland to hold in farm to him and' his
heirs. In the same year he also obtained a grant in fee of several
manors, lands, and hundreds lying in the Counties Somerset, Dorset,
Wilts, and Buckingham.
In 1337 he was constituted Admiral of the King's fleet, from the
mouth of the Thames westward, and the following year in considera-
tion of his faithful services in the Scottish wars, and otherwise, he
was advanced to the title and dignity of Earl of Salisbury, with a
grant of the annual rent of ^20 out of the profits of that County.
The same year he was one of the Commissioners that were sent to
the duke of Bavaria to engage him on behalf of Edward against
Philip, King of France. Upon his return he was immediately joined
with Richard, Earl of Arundel, in the command of a body of troops
designed for Scotland, in consequence of which he was present at the
memorable siege of the Castle of Dunbar. The same year he
attended the King to Brabant and obtained several more grants of
lands, castles, fairs and advowsons in the Counties of Oxford, Wilts,
Dorset, Somerset, Chester, Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincoln.
In 1339 he obtained the King's precept to the lord treasurer and
barons of the exchequer for an allowance of five marks each day
while he was abroad on his service, and for the reimbursement of all
the expenses he was put to thereby. The same year, in consideration
of his services both in the field and cabinet, he obtained a grant of
the office of Earl Marshal of England.
In 1340 he had the command of the army jointly with the Earl of
Suffolk. These two commanders having laid siege to Lisle, then in
possession of the French, were both unfortunately made prisoners by
the besieged, who sallied out and drew them after them into the town.
During their captivity they suffered great indignities ;
and upon their
arrival at Paris would certainly have been put to death, had not the
King of Bohemia (possibly a relative of his wife) interposed in their