George Monck
George Monck was an English soldier and politician who played a significant role in the events that led to the restoration of King Charles II. Born on December 6, 1608, Monck held the title of 1st Duke of Albemarle as well as the titles Earl of Torrington and Baron Monck of Potheridge, Beauchamp and Teyes.
He was born to Sir Thomas Monck in the town of Potherige in Torrington, Devon and was the second son in the family. Sir Thomas belonged to a family of fairly good means although he had recently fallen into some financial difficulties.
Before the age of 20, George Monck was forced to leave the country to escape consequences stemming from an assault charge against him. He had previously attacked the county's under-sheriff after the latter committed an injustice against Sir Thomas.
He enlisted in the army and was among the volunteer forces in the expedition to Cádiz in 1626. The following year, when the army moved to support the French Protestants of the City of La Rochelle, Monck distinguished himself with his gallantry in the battlefield at the siege of the Île de Ré.
George Monck was fast shaping up to become a man of war, so it was only appropriate that in 1629, he relocated to what was then the hub of warfare in Europe, the Netherlands. There, he quickly gained the reputation of being a strict disciplinarian and a strong leader.
His irascibility must have made him a lot of enemies for in 1638 he was involved in a conflict with the civil authorities of the town of Dordrecht and in anger gave up his commission and returned to England, where he served in Newport's regiment as lieutenant-colonel.
His incomparable accomplishments in warfare continued throughout his military career in England, with his performance in the Bishops' Wars of 1639 to 1640 standing out in particular. During the Battle of Newburn in that same war, Monck was able to prevent the capture of the English artillery even though he and his troops were dangerously low on ammunition.
By the time of the eruption of the Irish Rebellion in 1641, Monck's reputation of dependability, fierce temper and inscrutable demeanour was well known and he used these traits to great advantage by serving as colonel under Lord Leicester's regiment. When the rebellion was quelled and the position for Governor of Dublin was open, Leicester appointed Monck to the position.
King Charles I had his own plans for the governorship however, and he appointed his own favourite, the Lord Lambart to the position. Monck then returned to England where he was placed at the command of the army who had fought in Ireland.
Although George Monck was a close personal friend of Oliver Cromwell and indeed later fought side by side with the Lord Protector against the Royalist forces, he was always prudent enough to maintain his reticence on political matters. He was a key factor in the restoration of Charles II to the throne and the grateful monarch rewarded him generously for his efforts.
George Monck died of edema in January 3rd 1670, surrounded by his officers in a manner befitting a great soldier.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 25/07/2008
