George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle

George Monck was an English professional soldier who served both Parliament and the Commonwealth during the civil wars and Interregnum. In 1660 he marched his army from Scotland to London and became the key military figure in the restoration of Charles II.

Monck’s motives remain debated, but his control of disciplined troops allowed a political settlement without renewed large-scale war. Charles II rewarded him with the dukedom of Albemarle and high office.

Richard Woodman’s series follows George Monck across the violent political changes that make his career possible. The Forging begins with Monck imprisoned for treason after fighting for the king, while The Tempering shows the experienced commander surviving war, illness and the compromises demanded by service under the Commonwealth. In The Wielding, Monck is in Scotland with a loyal army as the collapse of the Protectorate forces him to decide whether to march south and intervene in England’s political future. The King’s Chameleon views that manoeuvring through Kit Faulkner’s family as restoration becomes a real possibility. Nigel Tranter’s Triple Alliance likewise uses Monck’s actions after Cromwell’s death to show how quickly local loyalties and commercial partnerships must adjust when the monarchy returns.