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…”
See Spectemur Agendo
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!
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.
Marshal Mortier Tomb in Paris:
Le Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise