General George Monck [sic], 1642 circa (engraving)

General George Monck [sic], 1st Duke of Albemarle, 1642 circa. Engraving published in 1642 circa. After serving with the Dutch in the 1630s, Monk (1608-1670) fought for King Charles I in Ireland during the English Civil War (1642-1649), commanding a regiment of foot. He later served in Ireland and Scotland on behalf of Parliament, eventually becoming Commander in Chief of the Parliamentary Army in Scotland. When Oliver Cromwell the Lord Protector, died in 1652, Monk was considered as a possible successor. Although he refused to accept supreme power, Monk retained control of the Army which he had brought south to London, and was thus able to use his influence for the restoration of the Stuart monarchy in 1660. After the Restoration, Charles II raised Monk to the peerage as Duke of Albemarle and he became Captain General of the King’s forces confirmed by a patent for life.