Clarendon, Edward Hyde, 1st earl

Clarendon, Edward Hyde, 1st earl of

(born Feb. 18, 1609, Dinton, Wiltshire, Eng.—died Dec. 9, 1674, Rouen, France.) English statesman and historian. A successful lawyer, he was also well known in literary circles. As a member of Parliament, he became an adviser to Charles I, recommending moderate policies, but was unable to prevent the English Civil Wars. He helped bring about the Restoration of Charles II and was created earl of Clarendon in 1661. As lord chancellor (1660–67), he dominated most aspects of the administration. His criticism of the king's immorality eventually destroyed their friendship, and Parliament made him a scapegoat for the disasters of the Anglo-Dutch War of 1665. Dismissed as lord chancellor in 1667, he spent the rest of his life in exile in France, where he completed his History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England.