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Cromwell's Spy: From the American Colonies to the English Civil War: The Life of George Downing
A vivid biography of the elusive George Downing, a Puritan from colonial Massachusetts who became Oliver Cromwell's chief spy and a key figure in the Restoration.
Downing Street is synonymous with political power, perhaps only second to Pennsylvania Avenue. But for the builder behind one of the world's most famous streets—George Downing—it was a mere retirement project.
Throughout his storied life, Downing would be a soldier, a politician, a diplomat, and a spy. He came of age as a pioneer in colonial Massachusetts, graduated from Harvard, crossed the Atlantic to sign up for the English Civil War and fast became Oliver Cromwell’s chief of military intelligence. He was one of a close group of now-forgotten Americans in Cromwell’s circle who exerted enormous influence upon English political life during their Civil War.
Throughout his life, Downing was always at the center of events, engaging with the most illustrious men and women of his times. His uncle was the governor of Massachusetts; his cousin the governor of Connecticut. In England, his patrons were Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II. The famous diarist, Samuel Pepys, was his clerk; the great poet, John Milton, prepared his letters and dispatches. William of Orange was godfather to his son; his next-door neighbor was Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia; and when Downing finally built his street, his surveyor was Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul’s Cathedral.
He would leave his mark on American soil as well. He played a key role in the foudning of New York by helping to wrest Manhattan and Long Island from the Dutch. Yet he remains one of the most elusive figures of his age. In Dennis Sewell's rich and vivid Cromwell's Spymaster, Downing emerges as the extraordinary, enigmatic, and endlessly fascinating anti-hero of his own life story.
Downing Street is synonymous with political power, perhaps only second to Pennsylvania Avenue. But for the builder behind one of the world's most famous streets—George Downing—it was a mere retirement project.
Throughout his storied life, Downing would be a soldier, a politician, a diplomat, and a spy. He came of age as a pioneer in colonial Massachusetts, graduated from Harvard, crossed the Atlantic to sign up for the English Civil War and fast became Oliver Cromwell’s chief of military intelligence. He was one of a close group of now-forgotten Americans in Cromwell’s circle who exerted enormous influence upon English political life during their Civil War.
Throughout his life, Downing was always at the center of events, engaging with the most illustrious men and women of his times. His uncle was the governor of Massachusetts; his cousin the governor of Connecticut. In England, his patrons were Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II. The famous diarist, Samuel Pepys, was his clerk; the great poet, John Milton, prepared his letters and dispatches. William of Orange was godfather to his son; his next-door neighbor was Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia; and when Downing finally built his street, his surveyor was Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul’s Cathedral.
He would leave his mark on American soil as well. He played a key role in the foudning of New York by helping to wrest Manhattan and Long Island from the Dutch. Yet he remains one of the most elusive figures of his age. In Dennis Sewell's rich and vivid Cromwell's Spymaster, Downing emerges as the extraordinary, enigmatic, and endlessly fascinating anti-hero of his own life story.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 6, 2025
After finishing this biography by Dennis Sewell, I still felt as if Downing was as elusive as ever, and I fear much of his "intelligence" work has gone and will continue to go undiscovered. It is his reputation - as a spy, a diplomat, a turncoat, a raconteur, an double agent - that has foreshadowed all else. But I feel that I have learned more about this man than I previously had, and have come to an understanding of his character and career.
George Downing was a man who was socially and politically connected to people - on both sides of the Atlantic - who mattered. He was politically active, initially as a preacher, before learning the art of deception and ambiguity from Oliver Cromwell himself. Downing was no fool - he was adroit, astute, with his own network of spies and agents, and was often referred to as both "an intelligencer and seducer" (c.1650).
His early political career was in Scotland however he took no part in the trial or execution of King Charles I of England, despite being on Cromwell's staff. He became increasingly concerned with foreign affairs and national security, finding himself as Ambassador in the Netherlands, where he was said to be "... burgling, bribing and blackmailing his way across the Low Countries..." which were a hot-bed of Royalist activity and home to a number of significant members of the royal house of Stuart.
His reputation was far from clean - he was an active participant in the trafficking of war prisoners to the Americas and nor was he above a little appropriation of the property of Royalists for himself. In the political vacuum that followed the death of Cromwell, Downing used his connections to intercede with the new King, Charles II. He was forgiven his misdemeanors, rewarded and even took on the role of hunter of the regicides.
Downing did well for himself in the US colonies - mercantilism became his new religion; and whilst he may have lost royal support due to abandoning his post during war, he was an active (and wealthy) parliamentarian.
As mentioned, it would be Downing's reputation - as a morally heinous, hypocritical scoundrel and turncoat - that would outlive his achievements. However, it should be remembered that Downing really was no better nor worse than his contemporaries and his actions should be judged only in light of the events and mores of his time - not ours!
Having finding myself reading more about the Interregnum under Cromwell and the hunt for the regicides of Charles I, this biography by Sewell landed at a most appropriate time.
I would highly recommend indulging in this biography of an elusive and contradictory character, which does much to restore some of the dignity and acknowledge the sheer strength of political survivalism of this intriguing man.
George Downing was a man who was socially and politically connected to people - on both sides of the Atlantic - who mattered. He was politically active, initially as a preacher, before learning the art of deception and ambiguity from Oliver Cromwell himself. Downing was no fool - he was adroit, astute, with his own network of spies and agents, and was often referred to as both "an intelligencer and seducer" (c.1650).
His early political career was in Scotland however he took no part in the trial or execution of King Charles I of England, despite being on Cromwell's staff. He became increasingly concerned with foreign affairs and national security, finding himself as Ambassador in the Netherlands, where he was said to be "... burgling, bribing and blackmailing his way across the Low Countries..." which were a hot-bed of Royalist activity and home to a number of significant members of the royal house of Stuart.
His reputation was far from clean - he was an active participant in the trafficking of war prisoners to the Americas and nor was he above a little appropriation of the property of Royalists for himself. In the political vacuum that followed the death of Cromwell, Downing used his connections to intercede with the new King, Charles II. He was forgiven his misdemeanors, rewarded and even took on the role of hunter of the regicides.
Downing did well for himself in the US colonies - mercantilism became his new religion; and whilst he may have lost royal support due to abandoning his post during war, he was an active (and wealthy) parliamentarian.
As mentioned, it would be Downing's reputation - as a morally heinous, hypocritical scoundrel and turncoat - that would outlive his achievements. However, it should be remembered that Downing really was no better nor worse than his contemporaries and his actions should be judged only in light of the events and mores of his time - not ours!
Having finding myself reading more about the Interregnum under Cromwell and the hunt for the regicides of Charles I, this biography by Sewell landed at a most appropriate time.
I would highly recommend indulging in this biography of an elusive and contradictory character, which does much to restore some of the dignity and acknowledge the sheer strength of political survivalism of this intriguing man.
February 12, 2026
Cromwell's Spy: From the American Colonies to the English Civil War: The Life of George Downing is a richly detailed and compelling biography that brings to life one of the most fascinating yet underappreciated figures of the 17th century. Dennis Sewell skillfully reconstructs the journey of George Downing, tracing his path from colonial Massachusetts to the very heart of English political power. The narrative captures the intrigue, ambition, and complexity of a man who moved fluidly through roles as a soldier, diplomat, politician, and intelligence operative during one of history’s most turbulent periods.
What makes this book especially engaging is the depth of historical context woven into Downing’s personal story. Sewell paints a vivid portrait of a man constantly at the center of major events, interacting with influential figures like Oliver Cromwell, King Charles II, Samuel Pepys, and John Milton. The storytelling is both informative and immersive, revealing Downing as a strategic, enigmatic anti-hero whose legacy still echoes through places as symbolic as Downing Street. The biography stands out for its careful research, balanced perspective, and the way it transforms historical facts into a gripping and readable narrative.
What makes this book especially engaging is the depth of historical context woven into Downing’s personal story. Sewell paints a vivid portrait of a man constantly at the center of major events, interacting with influential figures like Oliver Cromwell, King Charles II, Samuel Pepys, and John Milton. The storytelling is both informative and immersive, revealing Downing as a strategic, enigmatic anti-hero whose legacy still echoes through places as symbolic as Downing Street. The biography stands out for its careful research, balanced perspective, and the way it transforms historical facts into a gripping and readable narrative.
February 19, 2026
Cromwell’s Spy tells the story of George Downing, following him from the American Colonies to the heart of England’s political intrigue.
The author does a great job at telling Downing’s life story who played many roles in a particularly turbulent period in the world. He does a great job of looking at all aspects of Downing’s life and put a light on what would typically be considered a controversial if not villainous person. However this book does a good job exploring all aspects of his life, especially in context of the time and his contemporaries.
The narrator did a good job of keeping the book interesting as well! A very important part in any book, but especially the history books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author does a great job at telling Downing’s life story who played many roles in a particularly turbulent period in the world. He does a great job of looking at all aspects of Downing’s life and put a light on what would typically be considered a controversial if not villainous person. However this book does a good job exploring all aspects of his life, especially in context of the time and his contemporaries.
The narrator did a good job of keeping the book interesting as well! A very important part in any book, but especially the history books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews