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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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General Monck
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(George Monck, 1608–70, duke of Albemarle 1660) Professional soldier whose level-headed integrity somehow made it possible for him to fight as a royalist in the *English Civil War, then to give his services in support of Cromwell during the *Commonwealth and *Protectorate, and finally to be the chief architect of the *Restoration. He successfully kept control in Scotland during the 1650s (interrupted by a brief spell as a naval commander during the first *Anglo-Dutch war), and it was from Coldstream, on the Scottish border, that he led an army south in January 1660.
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His immediate purpose was to prevent other generals imposing military rule after the collapse of the Protectorate. He reassembled the *Long Parliament and then persuaded it to make way for a newly elected assembly. The wish of the majority for the return of *Charles II could now be met and Monck acted as the chief intermediary. He received a dukedom, and part of his army became the Coldstream regiment of *Foot Guards in the royal service.
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