Francis Charles Montague (1858-1935)

Francis Montague was born in London on 31 August 1858. From University College School and University College London, he went to Balliol College Oxford in 1875. He gained a first class degree in Classical Moderations in 1877 and became a prize-fellow of Oriel College in 1881. He then decided to become a barrister. However, in 1891 he returned to Oxford and took up teaching. He lectured on law and was later (1893-1927) Lecturer in Modern History at Oriel. He also took part in the training of candidates for the Indian Civil Service (1892-1920). From 1893 to 1927 he was also Professor of Medieval and Modern History at University College London, of which he had become a fellow in 1880: he travelled between Oxford and London by train to give his lectures. Montague wrote many historical books but he did not have much literary success. In 1930 he was elected an honorary fellow of Oriel. He never married. He died at Oxford on 8 April 1935.