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2. Rogue Diplomat Shifts Allegiance To King - DENNIS SEWELL CROMWELL'S SPY
13 September 2026

2. Rogue Diplomat Shifts Allegiance To King - DENNIS SEWELL CROMWELL'S SPY

The John Batchelor Show

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1658 NEW MODEL ARMY
Rogue Diplomat Shifts Allegiance To King
Dennis Sewell, Part Two: In 1655, George Downing negotiates a secret treaty with France's Cardinal Mazarin, conducting late-night discussions entirely in Latin. Later appointed ambassador to Holland, Downing conducts economic espionage to undermine Dutch commercial maritime dominance. Following Oliver Cromwell's death and the collapse of Richard Cromwell's regime, Downing opportunistically offers his intelligence services to the exiled King Charles II. Upon the Restoration, Downing secures royal favor by ruthlessly hunting down and capturing the regicides who signed Charles I's death warrant. Through political maneuverings, espionage, and property acquisition, Downing amasses immense wealth and leaves his mark on Downing Street. (2)