Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, was an important figure in British history. He was a lawyer who had a very important role in the government during the 1600s. He was a very influential person in the politics of the time. He advised Kings Charles I and Charles II and was very important in helping them make decisions. He is remembered for writing the history of the civil wars in England, which is a very important document in understanding the history of the country.