George Monck, 6.12.1608-3.01.1670, 2nd son of a family of country squires in Devon, became a professional soldier. He served the Dutch during the late stages of their war for independence from Spain. He fought successively for the Monarchy and Parliament during the Civil Wars. From 1655 to 1660 he commanded the parliamentary army in Scotland. After the resignation of Richard  Cromwell as Lord Protector in 1660 he marched his army south to London to support the restoration of Charles II. Shortly afterwards he was created Duke of Albemarle. For the rest of his life he enjoyed various offices under the Crown.