George Goring (1608û1657): Caroline Courtier and Royalist General

George Goring was in many ways the archetypal cavalier; often portrayed as possessing all the worst characteristics associated with the followers of King Charles I. He drank copiously, dressed and entertained lavishly, gambled excessively, abandoned his wife frequently, and was quick to resort to swordplay when he felt his honour was at stake. Yet, he was also an active Member of Parliament and a respected soldier, who learnt his trade on the continent during the Dutch Wars, and put it to good use in support of the Royalist cause during the English Civil War.In this, the first modern biography of Goring, the main events of his life are interwoven with the wider history of his age. Beginning with his family background in Sussex, it charts his successes at court and exploits in the service of the Dutch, culminating in his experiences at the siege of Breda in 1637, and then his part on the Bishops' Wars. His role as Royalist general in the Civil War and his subsequent exile during the Commonwealth period are also addressed.This fascinating and illuminating account of Goring's life, character and actions; provides not only a fresh examination of this contentious figure, but also reveals much about English society and culture in the first half of the seventeenth century.

Florene S. Memegalos lectures on British and European history at Hunter College, City University of New York, USA.