William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury

William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury (1301–1344), born at Cassington, was the closest companion of Edward III. In 1330 he helped the king overthrow Roger Mortimer at Nottingham. He fought in the Scottish Wars, received the Isle of Man and ruled it as king, and in 1337 was created Earl of Salisbury.

Captured by the French in 1340, he promised never to fight in France again. He died in 1344 of wounds sustained at a tournament.