Henry Bennet

Arlington became a leading member of the CABAL, the informal council of five ministers under Charles II. His initials formed the 'A' in the acronym, and he was instrumental in shaping foreign policy, particularly the pro-French alignment.

As Secretary of State, Henry Bennet, Earl of Arlington, was a key negotiator of the secret Treaty of Dover between England and France. The treaty allied England with France against the Dutch Republic and included a secret clause for Charles II to convert to Catholicism.

Following the Third Anglo-Dutch War, Parliament impeached Arlington for his role in the war and the Treaty of Dover. He was forced to resign as Secretary of State, though he later served as Lord Chamberlain until his death.