Monk or Monck, George, 1st Duke of Albemarle 1608-70
English soldier

The second son of a Devonshire baronet of Loyalist sympathies, he was a volunteer in the �le de Rh� expedition of 1628. He campaigned for 10 years in the Low Countries (1629-38). In the Civil War (1642-51) he was at first a Royalist and fought in Ireland (1642-43), but he was captured at the Battle of Nantwich (1644). Following a two- year imprisonment in the Tower he supported the Commonwealth cause. His successful activities in Ireland brought him to the notice of Cromwell. He defeated the Scots at Dunbar in 1650, and was successful in pacifying Scotland. In the First Dutch War he speedily adapted his talents to sea fighting, and played a major part in the 1653 victory over Maarten Tromp off the Gabbard. Instrumental in bringing about the restoration of Charles II, he was rewarded with the dukedom of Albermarle, and was appointed lieutenant-general of the forces. He played a conspicuous and useful part in the Second Dutch War, defeating the Dutch at St James's Fight in 1666. In 1667, with Michiel de Ruyter raiding the Medway virtually unopposed, Monk took command of the defences. Thereafter he retired more and more into private life. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, London.