5. MARSHAL GENERAL EDUOARD MORTIER
Before
explaining the possible link of this Famous Frenchman with my line, I
thought I would relate to the real history of our surname Morter; at least from
before and after the `Battle of Hastings’ in 1066! I am doing this
because; in the bigger picture our surname is both English and French,
from this time!
Jack
Morter helps me out first, because he sent me the following article on our
surname. The name ‘Morter`
apparently, and I quote:
“ …descends
from the family’s place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in
1066, which was MOTT, a town in Cotes du Nord, Normandy, France…..”
The article
goes on to say:
“…In depth research
by skilled analysts into ancient manuscripts such as the Domesday Book
etc shows the first records of the name Morter was found in Essex, where
the family were granted lands by William the Conqueror, for their
distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings 1066 A.D. Many alternate spellings, of Morter
were found in the Archives researched, typically linked to a common root,
usually one of the Norman Nobles at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D…”
The article
goes on to indicate they acquired the Manor of Graintree in Essex, and
by the 14th century had branched to Kedlington in Suffolk. By the 16th century they had
acquired Barningham Hall in
Norfolk and other prominent locations including Mott of Essex!
At last,
perhaps we do come from French Aristocracy!
And now
the English connection, I found myself teaching History to some delightful
Year 7`s in Biggleswade last year; and we were studying the reasons for the
Battle of Hastings. England prior
to the Norman invasion was in a mess!
In 1016 Viking leader Cnut was ruling England, on his death the country
collapsed into three Earldoms under Edward the Confessor; the strongest was
Harold, Earl of East Anglia. After Edward’s death Harold became King and
had trouble in controlling these Earldoms.
One of his main problems was a major uprising in East Anglia led by a
John Mortimer. This along, with
other uprisings in England, led to the Norman invasion and this famous Battle.
I think Daphne mentions in her notes, that many Morters were
always involved in brawls and fights; perhaps this is where it comes,
John Mortimer.
The
name ‘Mortimer` is a derivation of Morter, so it seems we had English and
French Morters fighting against each other in the Battle of Hastings!!!!
Which brings me to ‘EDUOARD
MORTIER`. Had I found a more
realistic connection for my Line, I was hoping it might tie up with this famous
Frenchman. There is a distant
possibility that ‘MARSHAL GENERAL EDUOARD MORTIER (1768-1835)` might be
related to Admiral Mortier, who fled from the Huguenots around 1700!
Admiral Mortier is of high rank, so his line in France may have been connected
to Eduoard; pure conjecture at this point!
My father and Laurence`s talked about Morters been related to French
Aristocracy, so perhaps this is as close as it might get!
http://amik78.tripod.com/marshalate/index.html
Marshal Mortier Tomb in Paris:
Le
Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise.
In France, Eduoard was very famous, a close friend
and colleague of Napoleon Bonaparte. He fought alongside
Napoleon, and had risen through the ranks of the National Guard; became a Captain,
General and then Marshal.
‘Marshals` were highly respected in France.
He then,
became ‘Minister of War` in 1834, but died a year later- killed by a
bomb at a parade.
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