Oliver Cromwell (25 April 1599 – 3 September 1658) was an English general and statesman who, first as a subordinate and later as Commander-in-Chief, led armies of the Parliament of England against King Charles I during the English Civil War, subsequently ruling the British Isles as Lord Protector from 1653 until his death in 1658.
See more
Who is Oliver Cromwell and what did he do?
Oliver Cromwell was best known for being Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland after the defeat of King Charles I in the Civil War. He was one of the main signatories on Charles I's death warrant. After the execution of King Charles I, Cromwell led the Commonwealth of England.
Why is Cromwell important in English history?
The Protectorate over which Cromwell presided was the first government in British history to have a written constitution - indeed the first such document in a modern nation state - a document that set out the rules for how the country should be governed, and enshrined the principle of freedom of religious conscience.
What was the role of Cromwell?
Oliver Cromwell was a political and military leader in 17th century England who served as Lord Protector, or head of state, of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland for a five-year-period until his death in 1658.
How did Oliver Cromwell win the Civil War?
Cromwell led the English military campaigns to establish control of Ireland in 1649 and later Scotland in 1650. This resulted in the end of the Civil War with a Parliamentary victory at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651 and the introduction of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland.
What good did Oliver Cromwell do?
He played a role in the development of Parliamentary supremacy, helped establish the British army and enhance the navy, and introduced greater freedom of religion than had been seen before.
What are three facts about Oliver Cromwell?
Cromwell did some remarkable work during his time, here are the top 10 facts.Cromwell was one of the 'founding fathers' of England. ... Cromwell was a military commander. ... He was of the Puritan faith. ... Cromwell came from a large and wealthy family. ... He was not afraid to speak his mind. ... Cromwell dismissed the parliament.More items...•
Who was the leader of the English Civil War?
The English Civil Wars comprised three wars, which were fought between Charles I and Parliament between 1642 and 1651.
Who won the English Civil War?
The war ended with Parliamentarian victory at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651. The victory of the Roundheads / Parliamentarians New Model Army over the Royalist Army at the Battle of Naseby on 14 June 1645 marked the decisive turning point in the English Civil War.
What changes did Cromwell make?
He transformed the financial administration of the country, restoring authority to the Exchequer and making the Chamber merely a small spending department which ran the Royal Household. The fact that Cromwell had a key post in the old Chamber system as well as being Chancellor of the Exchequer shows how he did this.
How is Cromwell remembered?
Cromwell is perhaps best remembered for his campaign in Ireland (1649-50), undertaken by Parliament to eliminate support for the exiled King Charles II. The campaign opened with massacres at Drogheda and Wexford, where there was widespread slaughter of Catholic soldiers and civilians alike.
What was Cromwell's famous phrase?
“No one rises so high as he who knows not whither he is going.” Cromwell on personal fortunes. You are as like the forming of God as ever people were…you are at the edge of promises and prophecies.” “You have been sat to long here for any good you have been doing.
What are three facts about Oliver Cromwell?
Cromwell did some remarkable work during his time, here are the top 10 facts.Cromwell was one of the 'founding fathers' of England. ... Cromwell was a military commander. ... He was of the Puritan faith. ... Cromwell came from a large and wealthy family. ... He was not afraid to speak his mind. ... Cromwell dismissed the parliament.More items...•
What was Oliver Cromwell’s family like?
The son of Robert Cromwell—a member of one of Queen Elizabeth I’s parliaments, a landlord, and a justice of the peace—Oliver Cromwell also was desc...
What were Oliver Cromwell’s beliefs?
In religious matters, Oliver Cromwell, a Puritan, believed that individual Christians could establish direct contact with God through prayer and th...
What did Oliver Cromwell accomplish?
As one of the generals on the parliamentary side in the English Civil Wars (1642–51) against Charles I, Oliver Cromwell helped overthrow the Stuart...
How did Oliver Cromwell influence others?
Oliver Cromwell’s victories at home and abroad helped to enlarge and sustain a Puritan attitude of mind in Great Britain and North America that lon...
What was Oliver Cromwell's role in the English Civil War?
Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War. When the Civil war began in 1642, Cromwell was sent to organize the defense of Norfolk. He was noted for his organizational skills and bravery and when the East Anglian counties formed the Eastern Association, Cromwell was put in charge of the cavalry. His reputation was further enhanced ...
What did Cromwell do when the Civil War ended?
When the Civil War ended with Parliament victorious, Cromwell played a part in trying to keep Parliament united. He also tried to smooth things between Parliament and the army in 1647 when the army mutinied and refused to disband.
Why did Cromwell leave England?
Having stabilized England, Cromwell left for Ireland to put down the Irish Civil War. As an extreme Puritan, he hated the Catholics and had never forgiven them for their alleged massacre of Protestants in 1641.
What was Cromwell's role in the Battle of Marston Moor?
When the New Model Army was formed, Cromwell was made General of the Horse and he played an important part in the defeat of the King in the Battle of Naseby.
Why did Oliver Cromwell change his name?
His family had become wealthy following the dissolution of the monasteries by Thomas Cromwell and had changed their name from Williams to Cro mwell in recognition of the man that had made their fortune. He attended Cambridge University where he gained a reputation for his commitment to Puritanism.
Who took command of the Rump Parliament?
Oliver Cromwell Takes Command. Cromwell was becoming increasingly frustrated with the members of the Rump Parliament who had not passed reforms in either the political or religious sphere. In 1653, at the head of an army, Cromwell marched into Parliament and dismissed the members.
How Did Oliver Cromwell Die?
Cromwell died from kidney disease or a urinary tract infection in 1658 at age 59 while still serving as Lord Protector. His son Richard Cromwell assumed the post, but was forced to resign due to a lack of support within Parliament or the military.
Where did Cromwell lead the troops?
Though he had no formal military training prior to the start of the war, Cromwell soon distinguished himself on the field of battle, recruiting and leading troops in key victories in 1642 at the Battle of Edgehill and in East Anglia.
Why did Cromwell have to sell his land?
In 1631, for example, Cromwell was forced to sell much of his land holdings in Huntingdon following a dispute with local officials. In addition, he was reportedly treated for melancholy, or depression, at this time.
What was Cromwell's rank in the Battle of Langport?
By 1644, he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant General, and in the Battle of Naseby and the Battle of Langport in 1645, he helped lead forces loyal to Parliament to victories over those of Charles I. In October 1645, Cromwell led an attack on the Catholic fortress Basing House, and was later accused of killing 100 of its men after they had surrendered.
What church did Cromwell belong to?
Like most children born in the country at the time, Cromwell was baptized in the Church of England . At 21, he married Elizabeth Bourchier, daughter of a wealthy merchant family. His new wife’s family were active in the Puritan church, and it is thought that this may have prompted Cromwell to join the sect in the 1630s.
Why did Cromwell travel to Scotland?
Cromwell travelled to Scotland to lead troops against forces there loyal to the king. At this time, Cromwell’s speeches before Parliament and his correspondence became more religious in tone.
What was the name of the war that Cromwell led?
This was known as the English Civil War, and it was during this time that Cromwell’s career as a military leader was born. Cromwell and others leading the Parliament side also differed significantly from Charles I in their religious views, which helped fuel the conflict.
What did Cromwell do in the Civil War?
As one of the generals on the parliamentary side in the English Civil War against King Charles I, Cromwell helped to bring about the overthrow of the Stuart monarchy, and, as lord protector, he raised his country’s status once more to that of a leading European power from the decline it had gone through since the death of Queen Elizabeth I. A man of outstanding gifts and forceful character, he was one of the most remarkable rulers in modern European history. Although a convinced Calvinist, he believed deeply in the value of religious toleration. At the same time, Cromwell’s victories at home and abroad helped to enlarge and sustain a Puritan attitude of mind, both in Great Britain and in North America, that continued to influence political and social life until recent times.
Who was Oliver Cromwell?
Oliver Cromwell, (born April 25, 1599, Huntingdon, Huntingdonshire, England—died September 3, 1658, London), English soldier and statesman, who led parliamentary forces in the English Civil Wars and was lord protector of Eng land, Scotland, and Ireland ...
What did Cromwell believe?
He believed that the individual Christian could establish direct contact with God through prayer and that the principal duty of the clergy was to inspire the laity by preaching. Thus he had contributed out of his own pocket to the support of itinerant Protestant preachers or “lecturers” and openly showed his dislike of his local bishop at Ely, a leader of the High Church party, which stood for the importance of ritual and episcopal authority. He criticized the bishop in the House of Commons and was appointed a member of a committee to investigate other complaints against him. Cromwell, in fact, distrusted the whole hierarchy of the Church of England, though he was never opposed to a state church. He therefore advocated abolishing the institution of the episcopate and the banning of a set ritual as prescribed in The Book of Common Prayer. He believed that Christian congregations ought to be allowed to choose their own ministers, who should serve them by preaching and extemporaneous prayer.
Why was Cromwell elected to the Parliaments of 1640?
Cromwell’s election to the Parliaments of 1640 ( see Short Parliament; Long Parliament) for the borough of Cambridge was certainly the result of close links between himself and radical Puritans in the city council. In Parliament he bolstered his reputation as a religious hothead by promoting radical reform. In fact, he was too outspoken for the leaders of the opposition, who ceased to use him as their mouthpiece after the early months of the Long Parliament.
How old was Robert Cromwell when he died?
Robert Cromwell died when his son was 18 , but his widow lived to the age of 89. Oliver went to the local grammar school and then for a year attended Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.
What was Oliver Cromwell's influence on the world?
Oliver Cromwell’s victories at home and abroad helped to enlarge and sustain a Puritan attitude of mind in Great Britain and North America that long influenced political and social life in both places.
Where is the statue of Oliver Cromwell?
Statue of Oliver Cromwell by Sir Hamo Thornycroft, 1899; outside Westminster Hall, London. Cromwell’s election to the Parliaments of 1640 ( see Short Parliament; Long Parliament) for the borough of Cambridge was certainly the result of close links between himself and radical Puritans in the city council.
What did Oliver Cromwell do?
In addition, Oliver Cromwell introduced important innovations in administration and he established the obligatory keeping of registry books, establishing the possibility of concluding a civil marriage among other things. He extended the right to vote to new levels of the bourgeoisie who had been without that right up until that point. He was also keenly interested in matters of education. During all these turbulent years of revolution, England prospered, despite the constant wars and riots.
Who succeeded Cromwell?
Cromwell died in 1658. He was succeeded by his son Richard, who was unable to continue his father’s policies. After Cromwell’s death, there was no calming of political conflicts and passions. No one was able to remove the army from power, regardless of the general dissatisfaction. By 1660, the forces advocating for the restoration of the Stuart line grew stronger and King Charles II was restored to power.
Why did Cromwell dissolve Parliament?
Due to growing problems in the country, Cromwell soon completely dissolved Parliament altogether. From 1653. Cromwell ruled the country as Lord Protector with the help of the army. Thus, instead of a monarchy and a Republic, a dictatorial regime was introduced to England.
Why did the Royalists have the advantage over the King?
However, from the beginning, the Royalists (supporters of the king) had the advantage because nobles and officers, skilled in the military craft, sided with the king. Due to this, the king had more success in the first battles than Parliament did.
What were the Puritan norms of behavior under Cromwell?
Under Cromwell, Puritan norms of behavior were introduced into public life that required strict observance of the Bible. All blasphemous behavior was punished. England became a country without any entertainment, as theaters were closed and all kinds of celebrations were banned, especially if they involved alcohol. The most solemn day was Sunday, which had to be dedicated to the Church and the penitent reading of the Bible in the family circle.
How long did the English Civil War last?
The First English Civil War between the king and Parliament would last for four years and kill almost 50,000 people. The king drew support from loyal supporters who were not affected by trade prosperity and who were part of the old patriarchal and feudal regime, as well as those from remote counties in the north and west of England. On the other side, all those areas that were more densely populated and richer, as well as port cities with lively trade, decided to support Parliament. London, as the main economic center of the country, was on the side of Parliament. This key alliance of cities brought economic supremacy to the parliamentary party.
Who led the army that crushed any resistance it encountered and reduced further warfare in Ireland to guerrilla fighting?
Under such circumstances, England re-entered into conflict with Irish Catholics and Royalists. In August 1649, Oliver Cromwell led an army that crushed any resistance it encountered and reduced further warfare in Ireland to guerrilla fighting. It was a new military success for him, which gave him increasing political weight at home.
Who was Oliver Cromwell?
Sir. Oliver Cromwell (25 April 1599 – 3 September 1658) was an English general and statesman who, first as a subordinate and later as Commander-in-Chief, led armies of the Parliament of England against King Charles I during the English Civil War, subsequently ruling the British Isles as Lord Protector from 1653 until his death in 1658.
What was Cromwell's role in the Parliament?
A second Parliament was called later the same year, and became known as the Long Parliament. Cromwell was again returned as member for Cambridge. As with the Parliament of 1628–29, it is likely that Cromwell owed his position to the patronage of others, which might explain why in the first week of the Parliament he was in charge of presenting a petition for the release of John Lilburne, who had become a Puritan cause célèbre after his arrest for importing religious tracts from the Netherlands. For the first two years of the Long Parliament Cromwell was linked to the godly group of aristocrats in the House of Lords and Members of the House of Commons with whom he had established familial and religious links in the 1630s, such as the Earls of Essex, Warwick and Bedford, Oliver St John and Viscount Saye and Sele. At this stage, the group had an agenda of reformation: the executive checked by regular parliaments, and the moderate extension of liberty of conscience. Cromwell appears to have taken a role in some of this group's political manoeuvres. In May 1641, for example, it was Cromwell who put forward the second reading of the Annual Parliaments Bill and later took a role in drafting the Root and Branch Bill for the abolition of episcopacy.
How much did Cromwell earn in 1636?
As a result, his income is likely to have risen to around £300–400 per year; by the end of the 1630s Cromwell had returned to the ranks of acknowledged gentry.
Why did Cromwell march north?
Cromwell then marched north to deal with a pro- Royalist Scottish army (the Engagers) who had invaded England. At Preston, Cromwell, in sole command for the first time and with an army of 9,000, won a decisive victory against an army twice as large.
What was Cromwell's only experience in the army?
Before he joined Parliament's forces, Cromwell's only military experience was in the trained bands, the local county militia. He recruited a cavalry troop in Cambridgeshire after blocking a valuable shipment of silver plate from Cambridge colleges that was meant for the King. Cromwell and his troop then rode to, but arrived too late to take part in, the indecisive Battle of Edgehill on 23 October 1642. The troop was recruited to be a full regiment in the winter of 1642 and 1643, making up part of the Eastern Association under the Earl of Manchester. Cromwell gained experience in successful actions in East Anglia in 1643, notably at the Battle of Gainsborough on 28 July. He was subsequently appointed governor of the Isle of Ely and a colonel in the Eastern Association.
Why did John Toland rewrite Edmund Ludlow's Memoirs?
John Toland rewrote Edmund Ludlow 's Memoirs in order to remove the Puritan elements and replace them with a Whiggish brand of republicanism, and it presents the Cromwellian Protectorate as a military tyranny. Through Ludlow, Toland portrayed Cromwell as a despot who crushed the beginnings of democratic rule in the 1640s.
How many children did Oliver Cromwell have?
They had ten children, but Oliver, the fifth child, was the only boy to survive infancy. Cromwell's paternal grandfather Sir Henry Williams was one of the two wealthiest landowners in Huntingdonshire. Cromwell's father Robert was of modest means but still a member of the landed gentry.
What was Cromwell's role in the Civil War?
He was also prominent in the campaign to force the king into calling annual sessions of Parliament; and he demanded that control of home defence be transferred from the King to officers directly appointed by Parliament. As the country drifted into civil war, he was one of the activist M.P.s sent into the provinces to raise troops 'for the defence of the realm'. He galvanised the areas around Huntingdon and Ely and used force to prevent the Cambridge Colleges sending their silver to the King's headquarters to support his war effort.
What did Cromwell want?
Cromwell wanted to build a godly commonwealth, and he rode roughshod over those who got in his way - raising taxation without consent, overriding a law he has helped to make in 1651 which protected ex-royalists from further penalty, imprisoning without trial those he believed to be planning subversion of his regime. Top.
What did Cromwell do to the Wexford massacre?
It was in accordance with the laws of war, but it went far beyond what any General had done in England. Cromwell then perpetrated a messier massacre at Wexford. Thereafter most towns surrendered on his approach, and he scrupulously observed surrender articles and spared the lives of soldiers and civilians.
What happened to Cromwell when he escaped from army custody?
When, instead, he escaped from army custody and launched a second civil war, Cromwell rounded on him and hounded him to death. Top.
What was Cromwell's first target?
His first target was the town of Drogheda north of Dublin which he stormed and captured. Perhaps 2,500 men, mainly in arms, were killed during the storm and several hundred more - all the officers, all Catholic priests and friars, every tenth common soldier - were killed, many clubbed to death. It was in accordance with the laws of war, but it went far beyond what any General had done in England. Cromwell then perpetrated a messier massacre at Wexford. Thereafter most towns surrendered on his approach, and he scrupulously observed surrender articles and spared the lives of soldiers and civilians. It was and is a controversial conquest. But, from the English point of view, it worked. In the summer of 1650, he returned to England and was sent off to Scotland, where Charles II had been proclaimed and crowned as King of Britain and Ireland. In a campaign as unrelenting but less brutal, he wiped out the royal armies and established a military occupation of the lowlands and west that was to last until 1660. In September 1651 he returned to a roman-style triumphant entry in London. One foreign ambassador watching predicted that he would soon he king. He was almost right.
What did Cromwell argue for in 1647-8?
In 1647-8 he argued in favour of a settlement with the king that would require him to accept Cromwell's political allies as his ministers and which would guarantee rights of religious liberty for all sincere protestants.
Where was Oliver Cromwell born?
Oliver Cromwell was born on 25 April 1599 in Huntingdon. His ancestors had benefited from the power of a distant relative, Thomas Cromwell, who secured them former monastic lands in 1538-9. Cromwell's grandfather built an elegant house on the outskirts of Huntingdon and regularly entertained King James (the hunting was good in Huntingdon) and other prominent courtiers. But Cromwell's father was a younger son who only inherited a small part of the family fortune and he was brought up in a modest town house. Burdened by debt and a decline in his fortunes, he sold up in 1630, and took a lease on a farm a few miles away, in St Ives. It would appear that in 1634 Cromwell attempted to emigrate to Connecticut in America, but was prevented by the government from leaving.
Why is Oliver Cromwell so famous?
Oliver Cromwell came to prominence against the background – indeed because of – a series of bloody Civil Wars across the British Isles during the 1640's. These have been traditionally known as the English Civil War, although historians now see them as a series of linked conflicts between 1639 and 1651.
When did the English Civil War start?
Soldiers. ... There were no permanent armies in Britain when the English Civil War started in 1642; indeed, the last time that the country had experienced anything close to a full scale war had been the threat of the Spanish Armada 70 years before.
What was the first major battle of the Civil War?
Key Events. ... The first major battle of the First Civil War at Edgehill in October 1642 was indecisive , and showed that neither the Royalists or the Parliamentarians had a clear advantage, that the war was not likely to be won quickly.
