George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, KG (6 December 1608 – 3 January 1670) was an English soldier and politician and a key figure in the Restoration of Charles II. At this time, George Monck was governor of Scotland, but enjoyed the respect of both Royalists and Republicans, being in contact with both the future Charles II and the ruling party. In the political and military jostling of the Rump parliament, Monck bided his time and ensured that those forces opposed to the status quo were overseen leading to his being created Commander-in-Chief of the Parliamentary forces. On 24th November 1659 he left his Edinburgh base accompanied by troops loyal to Parliament and set out for London which he reached early the following February. At once he urged the dissolution of the Long Parliament, and the establishment of a new Convention Parliament. This new body was organised to give a Royalist majority and so invited the future Charles II to be king of England. For his services to the Restoration of the monarchy, Monck was created the 1st Duke of Albemarle and made a member of the Order of the Garter, whose motto we see on the reverse of the medal above. Jeff - more TRIVIA
