Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of Commonwealth

Oliver, the son of Robert Cromwell and Elizabeth Stewart, was born April 25 1599 at Huntingdon.
He married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir James Bouchier.

Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell studied law before entering Parliament. He represented Cambridge during the Long and Short Parliaments that were recalled by Charles I, and strongly defended his Puritan principals.

When the Civil War broke out, Cromwell was appointed captain of a cavalry troop. He fought at the battle at Edgehill and his troops became known as ‘Ironsides’ because of the discipline and strict moral code he required of them. The brave charges of his cavalry gave victory to the Parliamentarians at the battle of Marston Moor. His leadership of the New Model Army under Fairfax, played a major role in winning the decisive battle at Naseby when the King was defeated.

After Charles I had been tried and condemned, Cromwell added his signature to the death warrant. When Scotland accepted Charles II as their monarch the Civil War flared up again. Cromwell commanded an English invasion over the border and won a battle at Dunbar. His greatest victory came in September 1651 at Worcester when the Royalists were finally defeated.

With the Army as his power base, Cromwell became Protector of England and was installed by a coronation like ceremony. His achievements as head of Parliament were considerable, but all came to nothing after his death.

Cromwell died September 3 1658 and his body was placed with great pomp amongst the kings in Westminster Abbey. Cromwell was succeeded briefly by his son, Richard. He abdicated in 1659 allowing Charles II to return from exile.

Crowell's body lay in Westminster Abbey until Charles II returned, the he had the body removed and hung on a gibbet.

Cromwell's statue outside Westminster Hall.