Personal life John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich



black & white reproduction of pastel portrait of lady of montagu family, possibly dorothy, wife of 4th earl of sandwich, or sister elizabeth courtenay, francis cotes, ra, 1758.


for several years sandwich had mistress fanny murray, subject of wilkes essay on woman (1763), married dorothy fane, daughter of 1st viscount fane, whom had son, john, viscount hinchingbrooke (1743 – 1814), later succeeded 5th earl. sandwich s first personal tragedy wife s deteriorating health , eventual insanity. during wife s decline, sandwich started affair talented opera singer martha ray. during relationship, ray bore him @ least 5 , perhaps many 9 children, including basil montagu (1770 – 1851), writer, jurist , philanthropist. tragedy strike again in april 1779 when ray murdered in foyer of royal opera house @ covent garden jealous suitor, james hackman, rector of wiveton. sandwich never recovered grief. events surrounding ray s murder depicted in popular novel love , madness (1780) herbert croft.



a mezzotint print of earl engraved valentine green, after johann zoffany, published 30 august 1774


in famous exchange actor samuel foote, sandwich declared, foote, have wondered catastrophe bring end; think, must either die of pox, or halter. lord , replied foote instantaneously, depend upon 1 of 2 contingencies; -- whether embrace lordship s mistress, or lordship s principles. retort misattributed john wilkes.


sandwich retired public duty in 1782, , lived ten years in retirement @ family seat, hinchingbrooke house, huntingdonshire, dying on 30 april 1792. title of earl of sandwich passed eldest son, john montagu, 5th earl of sandwich, 48 @ time.








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