A fearful gentleman
Subtitle: Sir George Downing in The Hague, 1658-1672
By: Roger Downing & Gijs Rommelse
Contributors: Rommelse, Gijs, 1977-
Publisher: Verloren
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Hilversum
Language: eng
Number of pages: 248
ISBN-13: 9789087042516
Subjects: Anglo-Dutch War, 1652-1654; Anglo-Dutch War, 1664-1667
Description: Sir George Downing first served under the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell as diplomat in the Dutch Republic. Following the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 he transferred his allegiance to the new regime and was re-appointed to the post in The Hague. This period was characterized by fierce trade rivalry, which formed the background to the mid-century Anglo-Dutch wars. His defence of English commercial interests against the Dutch was crucial to his development as one of England's leading mercantilists. "A fearful gentleman" shows that both extremes of Downing's reputation stem from his experience and activities in the Republic: the odium resulting from his rounding up and delivery to their deaths of the new King's former enemies, and acknowledgement of Downing's role as administrator and reformer of English public finance, based on his observation of the more sophisticated Dutch system.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [220]-234) and index.