Edward Hyde was an English statesman during the Restoration who played an important political role in Charles II’s reign. Born in 1609, he worked as a lawyer until he became a member of Parliament and served in the Short Parliament in 1640. Later on that year, he served again in the Long Parliament. During this time, he believed that there should be a reduction of power in the traditional monarchy and supported Common Law. For a couple years, he was unsuccessful in his attempts to enter Charles I’s inner circle, but became close with the Prince of Wales, the future Charles II. Eventually, Hyde helped craft the Restoration Settlement and by 1661 was appointed Lord Chancellor, Chief Minister, and Earl of Clarendon. During his reign, he faced many enemies and much opposition because of his past beliefs expressed in Parliament and his drift from Charles II’s favor; as a result, he was blamed for many unfortunate events. A childless marriage between the king and Princess Catherine of Braganca, the sale of Dunkirk to the French, the Dutch attack up the River Medway, London’s ill-preparation for the plague in 1665, and even the results of the Great Fire of London in 1666 were all blamed on him. He was ultimately dismissed from his position in 1667 and fled abroad and died seven years later.
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