George Monck (1608-1670) was one of the eight original Proprietors of Carolina. A supporter of Charles I, Monck was captured and imprisoned for two years in the Tower of London, but with the defeat of the King's cause in 1646, he was released by Parliamentary leaders and sent with an army to wipe out Irish rebels. As the Protectorate dissolved, Monck threw his support back to the Stuart monarchy, and was one of the chief architects of the Restoration. As such, he was made Duke of Albemarle, and rewarded by Charles II with the granting of extensive lands in Carolina (see King Charles II). Portrait about 1665, by an unidentified artist in the studio of Sir Peter Lely.
