Sword of State

by Richard Woodman 3 books in this series

The Sword of State trilogy fictionalises the career of George Monck, the soldier and naval commander whose shifting service helped carry England from civil war through the Commonwealth to the Restoration. The novels follow Monck from imprisonment and divided loyalty to campaigns in Ireland and Scotland, war with the Dutch and his decisive march south in 1660.

Alongside military and political events, the trilogy centres on Monck’s relationship with Anne Clarges and the personal calculations behind public duty. It presents the Restoration not as an inevitable settlement but as the outcome of military authority, political exhaustion and Monck’s controlled use of power.

Reading order

Books in this series (3 books)

1. The Forging

Richard Woodman

First published 2016

3.5(99)

Colonel George Monck is confined to his prison chamber in St Thomas’s tower, charged with high treason. A brilliant soldier, admiral and military governor, Monck joined the King’s men in besieging Nantwich. But the Parliamentary side’s more disciplined army successfully routed them, and Monck was thrown…

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2. The Tempering

Richard Woodman

First published 2016

4.3(272)

General George Monck has been through an awful lot since he sat as a prisoner in the Tower of London eight years before. He had led his men admirably through campaigns in Ireland and Scotland, but still storm clouds surround his future. Six months ago Monck’s…

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3. The Wielding

Richard Woodman

First published 2016

4.1(68)

Lord General George Monck has set up on camp on the River Tweed on the border of Scotland and England with his loyal army. He has plans to retire, to spend the rest of his years on his estates in Essex and Potheridge with his wife,…

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