Edward Montagu 1st Earl of Sandwich (Cromwell the Great)

Edward Montagu, 1st Earl of Sandwich (27 July 1625 – 28 May 1687) was an English soldier and politician. Lord President of the Commonwealth Council of State (July 1672 - March 1678). Leader of the Court Party of the Cromwellians.

He served Oliver Cromwell loyally in the 1650s, but went on to play a considerable part in the installation of Henry Cromwell has Lord Protector and was rewarded with several governmental offices. He served as the English Ambassador to Portugal 1661-1662, and Ambassador to Spain 1666-1668.

Our best picture of him is contained in the diary of Samuel Pepys, who was his cousin and protégé.

Leader of the Court Party of the Cromwellians. Member of the State Council. Elected MP in 1645-1653, named in 1653-1654 and elected again in 1654-1657. Elevated of the Other House in 1657 and elected senator for England in 1663.