Elizabeth Montagu

Elizabeth Montagu, née Robinson (1718–1800), was a British salon hostess, literary critic, writer and social reformer, born in Yorkshire. In 1742 she married Edward Montagu, a wealthy Northumberland coal-owner, and used his fortune to patronise English and Scottish literature and relieve the poor.

From the 1750s her London literary breakfasts, and after 1760 her evening assemblies where cards and strong drink were banned, formed the core of the Blue Stockings Society. By 1770 her Hill Street house was London's leading salon. She died in August 1800.