Background
Manchester was the eldest surviving son of George Montagu, 4th Duke of Manchester, and Elizabeth, daughter of Sir James Dashwood, 2nd Baronet.
Manchester was the eldest surviving son of George Montagu, 4th Duke of Manchester, and Elizabeth, daughter of Sir James Dashwood, 2nd Baronet.
Willam was Governor of Jamaica from 1808 to 1827, and prepared the colony for the emancipation of slaves. In 1815 he dealt with the aftermath of the destruction of Portuguese Royal by fire and of the plantations by a hurricane. He was also Lord Lieutenant of Huntingdonshire between 1793 and 1841.
William married Lady Susan, third daughter of Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon, on 7 October 1793.
They had eight children:
Lady Jane Montagu (1794–1815). George Montagu, 6th Duke of Manchester (1799–1855).
Lord William Francis Montagu (1800–1842), married Emily, third daughter of James Du Pre. Lady Georgiana Frederica Montagu (1803–1892), married Evan Baillie and had issue.
Lady Elizabeth Montagu, married Thomas Steele and had issue, including Thomas Montagu Steele
Lady Susan Montagu (c 1801–1870), married George Hay, 8th Marquess of Tweeddale and had issue.
Lady Caroline Catherine Montagu (c 1804–1892), married John Calcraft and had issue. Lady Emily Montagu (1806–1827). The Duchess of Manchester caused a social scandal when she eloped with one of her footmen.
Having become a social outcast, she died at Eaton, Edinburgh, in August 1828, aged 54.
Manchester survived her by fifteen years and died in Rome, Italy, in March 1843, aged 71.