As we look forward to the Installation of WBro Mark Robert Constant, PSGD, APGM as Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire on Wednesday the 27th of July 2022 (link), we have looked back in history and found significant Kimbolton Castle links between WBro Mark, a previous Provincial Grand Master of the Province, and a Grand Master of the Premier Grand Lodge of England.
His Grace William Drogo Montagu, 7th Duke of Manchester KP, was born on the 15th of October 1823 at the family home of Kimbolton Castle, Huntingdonshire.
William was educated at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst and rose to Captain in the Grenadier Guards in 1846.
Upon retiring from the Army in 1850, William became a Magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for Huntingdonshire. He also served in other roles and was Lord of the Bedchamber of the late Prince Consort, Prince Albert, from 1852-53 having earlier entered politics as Conservative MP for Bewdley in 1847.
WBro Mark Constant alongside a painting of William Montagu, 7th Duke of Manchester and Past Provincial Grand Master, at Kimbolton Castle
William was initiated into Freemasonry on the 28th of May 1856 when he joined the Lodge of Antiquity No. 2 in London.
He became a joining member of Socrates Lodge No. 511 (now No. 373) in Huntingdon on the 3rd of October 1860 and was installed as Master of the Lodge the following year.
Having been appointed as a Grand Steward in 1859, William was appointed as Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire on the 24th of October 1863 and installed as such on the 1st of June 1864. He served the Province until his resignation in 1887, when he was succeeded by Henry James Fitzroy, Earl of Euston.
In the Royal Arch, William was exalted into Northampton Chapter No. 360 in 1870 before becoming a founding member and the inaugural MEZ of Montagu Chapter No. 466 in Stamford in 1875. He became a founding member of St Peter’s Chapter No. 442 in Peterborough later the same year
In 1880, William was appointed as the first Grand Superintendent over and above the Royal Arch Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire.
He died in Naples in 1890.
William Montagu, 7th Duke of Manchester
Originally a medieval castle built in the late 12th century, Kimbolton Castle was converted into a stately palace and was the final home of King Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, who died at the castle from ill heath in 1536.
The castle was acquired in 1615 by Sir Henry Montagu, who was later created the 1st Earl of Manchester. His great grandson, Charles Montagu (originally the 4th Earl of Manchester), was created the 1st Duke of Manchester in 1719.
The 4th Duke of Manchester, George Montagu (William Montagu's great grandfather), was Grand Master of the Premier Grand Lodge (aka the "Moderns") from 1777 to 1782 after which he was succeeded by Prince Henry, Duke of Cumberland.
George Montagu, 4th Duke of Manchester
Originally a Whig Member of Parliament for Huntingdonshire before inheriting his father's title and ascending to the Dukedom, George employed Robert Adam to design the Kimbolton Castle gatehouse, which was constructed in 1766.
The Castle remained the family seat of the Dukes of Manchester until 1950, when it was sold to Kimbolton School.
The school is successor to the village grammar school, and although there are references to a school at Kimbolton as early as 1531, the generally accepted date for its foundation is 1600.
Having originally occupied buildings within the churchyard, the school moved to new premises in Tilbrook Road in the late 19th century. It remained there until the move to Kimbolton Castle.
Kimbolton Castle
Our Provincial Grand Master Designate, WBro Mark Constant, was a pupil at the school from 1972 until 1980.
A Past Master of Old Kimboltonians' Lodge No. 7204, which meets at the School, WBro Mark was thrilled to install his son, Max, as the Lodge's current Master on the 15th of October 2021 (link).
Several other members of the Constant family have also attended the school, which to this day recognises its history with 'Montagu' being one of the school's houses.
The shield of Montagu House
We are both pleased and honoured that the Province is maintaining such close ties with Kimbolton School, the Castle, and the Montagu family name.
We have no doubt that our Provincial Grand Master Designate will continue to maintain the fine traditions and high standards associated with each, and he has our full support!