NAM.1985-02-1-1

General George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle (1608-1670), 1665 (c). Oil on canvas, artist unknown after Samuel Cooper (1609-1672), 1665 (c). Three-quarter-length, in armour, wearing the sash and the Lesser George (sash badge) of the Order of the Garter and holding baton, helmet to right, siege in background. After serving with the Dutch in the 1630s, Monck fought for King Charles I in Ireland during the 1st Civil War, 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 1658, Monk was considered as a possible successor. Although he refused to accept supreme power, Monck 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 Monck to the peerage as Duke of Albemarle and he became Captain General, of the King’s forces confirmed by a patent for life. A contemporary described Monck as ‘... a very comely personage, his countenance very manly and majestic, the whole fabric of his body very strong’. A man of great energy, he rose early in the morning and, although he had little education and spelt badly, he always accomplished much. As a commander, he was noted for his understanding of the art of war and for his care of his men.

English Civil War (1642-1649)