Anthony Browne, 1st Viscount Montagu, KB, PC (29 November 1528 – 19 October 1592) was an English peer during the Tudor period.

Montagu was employed on diplomatic missions to the Pope in Rome and to Spain, and was 'highly esteemed for his prudence and wisdom' by Queen Elizabeth.

In spite of his bold opposition to the Acts of Supremacy and Allegiance (1559 and 1562), which threatened the religious activities of the Roman Catholics, he never lost Queen Elizabeth's favour.

[2][3] According to Elzinga, Browne's conservative views, and particularly his support for Henry VIII's daughter, Princess Mary, antagonised the Edwardian regime, but he was nonetheless re-elected for Guildford in 1547, and at his father's death on 28 April 1548 was allowed to purchase his wardship for £333 6s 8d, although he was replaced as standard-bearer, as being too young for the position.

In April 1554 he was appointed Master of the Horse to Queen Mary's consort, Philip II of Spain, for which he was granted an annuity of £200.

[2][4] From 16 February to 24 August 1555 Montagu travelled to Rome as one of the English ambassadors sent to treat with Pope Julius III for the restoration of Catholicism in England.

[2][4] When Queen Elizabeth came to the throne in November 1558, Montagu was replaced on the Privy Council, and in the Parliament of 1559 spoke against the new regime's measures for religious reform, including bills for uniformity in religion, for the re-establishment of the royal supremacy, and for the dissolution of the religious houses which had been restored during Queen Mary's reign (Montagu himself had founded two chantries, one at Battle Abbey, and one at Midhurst).

In a letter dated 1 December 1569 the Spanish ambassador, Guerau de Spes, wrote to the Duke of Alba that both Montagu and Southampton 'have sent to me for advice as to whether they should take up arms or go over to your Excellency'.

[7] A year later, in September 1571, under questioning concerning the Ridolfi plot, the Bishop of Ross incriminated Southampton by revealing the entire story of their meeting in Lambeth marsh.

When in 1580 it was reported to him that she had been seen at Dogmersfield with Donsame, he forever banished her from his 'board and presence', forcing her to live at one of his Hampshire estates under close surveillance.

The Countess defended herself with spirit in a long letter to her father on 21 March 1580, denying adultery and accusing one of the Earl's servants, Thomas Dymock, of having been the cause of the contention between herself and her husband.

[14][15] Montagu died at his manor house in West Horsley, Surrey, on 19 October 1592 of a lingering illness, and was buried at Midhurst in Sussex on 6 December.