Monk

Monk (properly Monck), George, Duke of Albemarle, was born in 1608, and, having first taken part in Lord Wimbledon's expedition to Cadiz in 1625, entered the army as a volunteer, and served with the expedition to the isle of Rhe in 1628. For some years afterwards he acted in a military capacity under the Earl of Oxford in Germany and Holland, and in 1639 fought in the war in Scotland. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he hesitated as to the side on which to range himself, but at last declared for the king. At the battle of Nantwich he was taken prisoner, and, being sent to the Tower, was not liberated until 1646, when he was given command of the English forces in Ulster. There, on account of the lack of support from the Parliament, he was unsuccessful; but Cromwell had already recognised his ability, and in 1650 made him lieutenant-general of artillery in the army in Scotland. Monk greatly distinguished himself at Dunbar, and was then left to complete the Scottish campaign. In 1652 he was appointed one of the Admirals and Generals of the Fleet, and as such commanded the white squadron at the battle of Portland in 1653. After the Dutch war he returned to his command in Scotland, where he remained until the death of Cromwell. He recognised Richard Cromwell, and was prepared to support him; but, finding that the weakness of the new Protector was leading to disorder and anarchy, Monk crossed the Border on January 1st, and entered London and invited Charles II. to return to England. On the arrival of the king Monk was created Duke of Albemarle and lieutenant-general of the forces, and was given a perpetual pension of £7,000 a year. When a new Dutch war broke out in 1665 he was appointed joint admiral with Prince Ruoert. He died in January, 1670.