George Monk

Monk (also spelled Monck or Monke), George, first Duke of Albemarle (1608-1670). Had a prominent role in the Commonwealth and the Restoration. Military commander in the Civil War (first on the side of the Royalists, then for the Parliamentarians). After Cromwell's death Monk supported Parliament against the threatening military dictatorship. Furthermore, he put pressure on Parliament (then the so-called "Rump") to take steps towards the Restoration of Charles II. He was present at Dover, May 25 1660, when the king returned to England. Samuel Pepys was eyewitness of the scene and notes in his diary: "and talked awhile with Gen. Monke and others". For his services to the crown, he was created Duke of Albemarle and Master of the Horse (in this capacity, he is also seen in Ogilby's etchings of the ceremonies before Charles' coronation in 1661).

Source: Wordsworth Dictionary of British History, ed. J.P. Kenyon, London: Wordsworth, 1994.