THE latest in a series of events to mark the 400th birthday of General George Monck will be a free History Day at Clinton Village Hall, Merton.

The history day will be on Saturday, June 27 and archive records of Merton and the surrounding area will be on view. North Devon Record Office will be on hand to answer any questions and assist people in finding out what material is available for research. The little archive material there is on General Monck and the Monck family will also be on display.

The highlight of the day will be a talk at 2pm by Professor Mark Stoyle of Southampton University, who specialises in early modern British history, particularly the English Civil War.

Merton village was awarded nearly £9,000 to celebrate the anniversary of its most famous son, who was the first Duke of Albemarle. He helped reinstate the British monarchy which had ended after the execution of King Charles I in 1649.

Monck was born on December 6, 1608 at Potheridge, just outside Merton. He was a professional soldier, fighting both at home and abroad. During the Civil War he fought for King Charles I, but was captured by Parliamentarian forces in 1644 and imprisoned in the Tower of London.

In 1647 Monck convinced Parliament of his loyalty. He eventually served in Scotland as a lieutenant general under Oliver Cromwell in 1650. The attempt by English general, John Lambert to seize dictatorial power prompted Monck to march into London with the Coldstream Guards from Scotland, and dissolve the Rump Parliament. Charles II, consequently, became king.

One of General Monck's relatives, who lives in Plymouth, has been attending the special events in Merton.

The day will run from from 11am to 4pm. Further information is available from the North Devon Record Office on 01271 388608.