Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon

1606-1674

Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon (1606-1674), had been one of the supporters of parliamentary rights against Charles I. But when the Parliament Party (meaning Puritans) attacked the established Church of England, Hyde joined Charles I and became one of his most distinguished and wise councilors. Charles II made him Lord High Chancellor and chief minister. The dissolute habits of the royal court, however, aroused Hyde's disapproval; and political enemies finally undermined him until he was driven from office and into exile. He was the father of Anne Hyde, who married the future King of England, James II.