Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, English historian and politician, Chancellor of the Exchequer (d. 1674)

Edward Hyde, the 1st Earl of Clarendon, was a towering figure in 17th-century English history, a multifaceted individual who excelled as a statesman, shrewd lawyer, diplomat, and influential historian. Born on February 18, 1609, and passing away on December 9, 1674, Hyde navigated the treacherous waters of a nation in turmoil. He notably served as the chief advisor to Charles I during the initial phase of the First English Civil War and later held the prestigious office of Lord Chancellor to Charles II from 1660 to 1667, playing a pivotal role in the Restoration era.

Early Political Engagement and Core Beliefs

For much of the 1630s, Hyde deliberately kept a low profile, largely sidestepping the intense political disputes of the era. His emergence into prominence came with his election to the Long Parliament in November 1640. Like many moderate voices of his time, he grew increasingly uneasy with King Charles I's attempts to rule without the consent of Parliament, believing these actions had overstepped acceptable boundaries. However, as 1642 dawned, Hyde became equally concerned that Parliament's own leaders were beginning to grasp for excessive power, creating a precarious balance. A staunch advocate for an Episcopalian Church of England, his deep-seated opposition to the Puritans' vigorous efforts to reform the Church profoundly shaped his political policies and decisions over the subsequent two decades.

The English Civil War and Royalist Exile

With the winds of war gathering, Hyde joined Charles I in York just before the First English Civil War erupted in August 1642. He quickly assumed the critical role of the King's senior political advisor. Yet, as the tide of the war turned increasingly against the Royalists, his influence began to wane. This was largely due to his firm refusal to countenance alliances with either the Scottish Covenanters or Irish Catholics, strategies many of his contemporaries felt were necessary, but which Hyde viewed as compromising fundamental principles. In 1644, when the future Charles II was placed in command of the West Country, Hyde served as a vital part of his Governing Council, alongside his close friend Sir Ralph Hopton. Following the Royalist surrender in June 1646, Hyde embarked on an arduous period of exile with the future king, who ascended to the throne after his father's execution in January 1649. He strategically avoided direct involvement in the Second or Third English Civil Wars, primarily because both conflicts entailed alliances with Scots and English Presbyterians, which he opposed. Instead, he dedicated himself to diplomatic service in European capitals like Paris and Madrid, tirelessly working to advance the Royalist cause from abroad.

A Lord Chancellor's Ascendancy and Royal Connections

With the triumphant return of the monarchy in 1660—an event famously known as The Restoration—Charles II appointed Hyde as his Lord Chancellor, a testament to his unwavering loyalty and considerable political acumen during the lean years of exile. His family's fortunes also rose dramatically; his daughter Anne Hyde married the future James II (then the Duke of York), making Edward Hyde the grandfather to two future queens of England: Mary II and Anne. These powerful familial and political connections cemented his position at the heart of English power, but they also inevitably drew him both immense influence and a host of formidable enemies.

Political Decline and The History of the Rebellion

Despite his integral role in the Restoration, Hyde's political standing became increasingly precarious. Charles II, growing ever more irritated by Hyde's candid criticisms and moralistic stance, began to distance himself. Though his direct responsibility for the disastrous Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665-1667) was limited, he was made a convenient scapegoat. In a dramatic turn of events, he was charged with treason and ultimately sentenced to permanent exile. He spent the remainder of his life in Europe, passing away in 1674. This period of enforced exile, however, proved immensely productive, as he dedicated himself to completing his monumental work, The History of the Rebellion. Initially conceived as a defense of Charles I, the work underwent extensive revisions after 1667, evolving into a far more critical and frank account, particularly in its incisive assessments of his contemporaries. Today, it stands as one of the most significant and insightful historical narratives of the 1642 to 1646 civil war, offering invaluable perspectives from a key participant in those tumultuous times.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon

Who was Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon?

Edward Hyde was a prominent English statesman, lawyer, diplomat, and historian (1609–1674). He served as a chief advisor to Charles I during the First English Civil War and later as Lord Chancellor to Charles II after the Restoration.

What was Edward Hyde's role during the English Civil War?

He was a key advisor to Charles I and an ardent Royalist. He went into exile with the future Charles II after the Royalist defeat and later served as a diplomat in Europe, working to restore the monarchy.

What is The History of the Rebellion?

It is Edward Hyde's most famous literary work, a comprehensive and influential historical account of the English Civil War (1642-1646). Written during his exile, it offers a unique, though evolving, perspective from a central figure of the period.

How was Edward Hyde connected to the Royal family?

His daughter, Anne Hyde, married James II (who was then the Duke of York), making Edward Hyde the grandfather of two future queens of England: Mary II and Anne.