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2024-09-22 08:21:10

Oliver Cromwell

English military and political leader, Lord Protector
English military and political leader, Lord Protector

Oliver Cromwell played a key role in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and the establishment of The Protectorate. As Lord Protector, he ruled until his death in 1658. Cromwell's controversial legacy includes his use of the army for political gain and his harsh actions in Ireland.

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1497
Marriage of Oliver Cromwell's Ancestors

Oliver Cromwell's great-great-grandfather, Morgan Williams, married Thomas Cromwell's sister Katherine in 1497.

1599-04-25
Birth of Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell was born on April 25, 1599 in Huntingdon, Huntingshire, England, to parents Elzabeth Stuart and Robert Cromwell. He came from a wealthy and influential family in East Anglia. His father, Robert Cromwell, had a prestigious lineage tracing back to Thomas Cromwell, the 'Earl of Essex' appointed by King Henry VIII in 1540. This event is significant as Oliver Cromwell later became the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

1599-09-25
Birth of Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell, a skilled cavalry commander who later became the head of Parliament's New Model Army and the Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, was born on September 25, 1599.

1616
Oliver Cromwell enters Sidney Sussex College

In 1616, Oliver Cromwell started his academic journey by entering Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.

1617-06
Robert's Death

Robert's death in June 1617 caused Cromwell to leave Cambridge without completing his degree to return home and support his mother and sisters.

1620-08-22
Marriage of Oliver Cromwell to Elizabeth Bourchier

Oliver Cromwell married Elizabeth Bourchier on 22 August 1620 at St Giles-without-Cripplegate, Fore Street, London. The marriage brought Cromwell into contact with influential figures crucial to his military and political career.

1626
Cromwell's Letter to Henry Downhall

In 1626, Oliver Cromwell wrote a letter to Henry Downhall, an Arminian minister, indicating that he had not yet been influenced by radical Puritanism.

1628
Oliver Cromwell becomes MP for Huntingdon

In 1628, Oliver Cromwell entered the political arena by becoming a Member of Parliament for Huntingdon.

1629
Cromwell's Dispute in Huntingdon

In 1629, Oliver Cromwell became involved in a dispute among the gentry of Huntingdon over a new charter for the town, leading to his appearance before the Privy Council in 1630.

1634
Cromwell's Attempted Emigration

In 1634, Oliver Cromwell tried to emigrate to the Connecticut Colony in the Americas but was prevented by the government from leaving.

1636
Cromwell relocates to Ely

In 1636, Oliver Cromwell moved to Ely following the inheritance of property from his maternal uncle, which contributed to his increased status and commitment to the puritan way of life.

1640-12-04
Establishment of the Long Parliament

King Charles I established the Long Parliament on December 4, 1640, in order to secure funds for the Bishops' Wars. This event marked a significant political development during the reign of King Charles I.

1640-12-09
Oliver Joins Parliament

On December 9, 1640, Oliver Cromwell became a member of the Parliament. Cromwell played a significant role in the English Civil War and later became the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

1641
Massacres and Deportations in Ireland

During the worst atrocities in Ireland, over 50,000 men, women, and children were killed, deported as prisoners of war, or sent as indentured servants to Bermuda and Barbados. These actions were carried out under the command of other generals after Cromwell had left for England.

1642-10-23
Cromwell's troop participates in the Battle of Edgehill

During the Battle of Edgehill on October 23, 1642, Cromwell made his first appearance as a captain with his troop, under the command of Robert Devereux, 3rd earl of Essex, marking a significant moment in the early stages of the English Civil War.

1645-06-14
Cromwell promoted to Lieutenant-General of New Model Army

In June 1645, Oliver Cromwell was elevated to the position of Lieutenant-General in the New Model Army, a pivotal moment in his military career.

1647-02
Cromwell's Illness and Political Split

In February 1647, Oliver Cromwell fell ill, leading to his absence from political life for over a month. During this time, Parliamentarians became divided over the issue of the King, with a majority pushing for a settlement that Cromwell opposed due to its Presbyterian nature.

1647-06
Seizure of the King by Cornet George Joyce

In June 1647, a troop of cavalry led by Cornet George Joyce seized King Charles I from Parliament's custody. This event prompted Cromwell to engage in negotiations with the King to determine the conditions under which his authority could be restored.

1647-10
Putney Debates

During the autumn of 1647, the Putney Debates took place, involving heated discussions between factions such as the Levellers and key figures like Cromwell and Ireton. The debates centered around demands for political equality and ultimately ended without a resolution.

1649-01-30
Signing of Charles I's Death Warrant

Oliver Cromwell was one of the main signatories on King Charles I's death warrant, marking a significant event in British history.

1649-09-11
Massacres at Drogheda and Wexford in Ireland

In 1649, Oliver Cromwell's campaign in Ireland led to massacres at Drogheda and Wexford, where Catholic soldiers and civilians were slaughtered. Cromwell defended these actions as necessary for war strategy and to encourage surrenders in other areas.

1649-09-27
Massacre in Ireland

In September 1649, Cromwell's contemporary reports to London listed the slaying of 3,000 military personnel in Ireland, followed by the phrase 'and many inhabitants'. He justified his actions as revenge for the massacres of Protestant settlers in Ulster in 1641.

1650-05-26
Cromwell's Return to England from Ireland

After receiving word that Charles II had landed in Scotland and been proclaimed King, Oliver Cromwell returned to England from Youghal on 26 May 1650 to counter this threat.

1650-09-03
Battle of Dunbar

On 3 September 1650, Oliver Cromwell's troops unexpectedly defeated the main Scottish army at the Battle of Dunbar, killing 4,000 Scottish soldiers, taking 10,000 prisoners, and capturing the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.

1651-09-03
Battle of Dunbar

The Battle of Dunbar took place on 3rd September 1651.

1653
Cromwell appointed Lord Protector

Under the Instrument of Government passed by Parliament, Oliver Cromwell was appointed Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland in 1653.

1653-04-20
Oliver Cromwell dissolves the Long Parliament

On April 20, 1653, Oliver Cromwell dissolved the Long Parliament after suggesting to re-elect members due to public dissatisfaction with high taxes. The Parliament members agreed to add new members, but this change was insignificant. This event highlighted Cromwell's belief in his own authority over Parliament.

1653-09-03
Battle of Worcester

The Battle of Worcester occurred on 3rd September 1653.

1653-12-16
Oliver Cromwell made Lord Protector of the Commonwealth

Oliver Cromwell was appointed as the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland after his victory in the war for Parliament. Despite his initial intentions of promoting equality and eliminating absolute monarchy, Cromwell's rule turned dictatorial, leading to the dissolution of Parliament and his consolidation of power.

1654-09-03
Cromwell's speech to the First Protectorate Parliament

Cromwell emphasized the need to 'heal and settle' the nation in his speech to the First Protectorate Parliament on 3 September 1654. Despite his intentions, the Parliament began pushing for radical reforms, leading to its dissolution in 1655.

1654-12-16
Becomes Lord Protector

Oliver Cromwell became the Lord Protector on 16th December 1654.

1655-01-22
Dissolution of the First Protectorate Parliament

After the Parliament started working on radical constitutional reforms, Cromwell dissolved them on 22 January 1655. The Parliament's property franchise and election process were also outlined during this time.

1656-09
Meeting with second Protectorate Parliament

In September 1656, Oliver Cromwell met with the second Protectorate Parliament.

1657-03-06
Rejects offer of the crown

In March to June 1657, Oliver Cromwell rejected Parliament's offer of the crown and remained Lord Protector.

1657-03-23
Treaty of Paris with Louis XIV

On 23 March 1657, the Protectorate signed the Treaty of Paris with Louis XIV against Spain, pledging to supply France with troops and war ships.

1657-04-13
Offer of the Crown by Parliament

In 1657, Cromwell was offered the crown by Parliament as part of a revised constitutional settlement, but he declined in a speech on 13 April 1657, citing God's providence against the office of King.

1657-05-08
Letter to Colonel Valentine Walton

Oliver Cromwell's letter to Colonel Valentine Walton in May 1657 reflected his thoughts on military strategies and leadership during the turbulent period of the English Civil War.

1657-06-26
Cromwell Re-installed as Lord Protector

Oliver Cromwell was ceremonially re-installed as Lord Protector at Westminster Hall, using symbols and regalia similar to a coronation. The event marked the replacement of the Instrument of Government with the Humble Petition and Advice, granting Cromwell new rights and powers.

1658
Death of Oliver Cromwell

In 1658, Oliver Cromwell, who ruled Great Britain for five years with a military dictatorship, died, leaving the commonwealth deeply divided.

1658-06-14
Inauguration of Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector in Westminster Abbey

Oliver Cromwell was inaugurated as the Lord Protector in Westminster Abbey on June 14, 1658.

1658-09-03
Death of Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell passed away on September 3, 1658. His death marked the end of his tenure as Lord Protector and a significant chapter in English history.

1659-05
Richard Cromwell's Resignation

Richard Cromwell, son of Oliver Cromwell, resigned from his position as Lord Protector in May 1659 due to his lack of political and military power compared to his father. His resignation marked the effective end of the Protectorate.

1660
Restoration of Parliament and Monarchy under Charles II

The lack of clear leadership in the Commonwealth after Richard Cromwell's resignation led to the restoration of Parliament and the monarchy in 1660 under Charles II. This marked the end of the Protectorate and the return to a monarchical system of government in England.

1661-01-30
Posthumous 'Execution' of Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell was exhumed and posthumously 'executed' on the 30th of January in 1661.

1661-09-03
Death of Oliver Cromwell at Whitehall

Oliver Cromwell died at Whitehall on the 3rd of September in 1661.

1667
Assessment by Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon

In 1667, Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon published a less positive assessment of Cromwell in his History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England, declaring Cromwell as a 'brave bad man' who rose to power through ruthlessness.

1685
Cromwell's Head Falls from Spike

During a storm in 1685, Oliver Cromwell's head reportedly fell from the spike it was displayed on and was thrown to the ground. This event led to the head being passed through various private and museum collections before eventually being buried at Sydney Sussex College at Cambridge University.

1732
Terracotta bust of Oliver Cromwell in the Queen’s House

A terracotta bust of Oliver Cromwell can be found in the Queen’s House, believed to have been made in 1732. The bust is part of a collection of eight English 'heroes' sculptures commissioned by Sir Edward Littleton.

1755-07
Terracotta bust of Oliver Cromwell in the Queen’s House

A terracotta bust of Oliver Cromwell can be found in the Queen’s House, believed to have been made between 1755 and 1757. The bust is part of a collection of eight English 'heroes' sculptures commissioned by Sir Edward Littleton.

1904
Oliver Cromwell's letters and speeches

A collection of Oliver Cromwell's letters and speeches edited by Thomas Carlyle.

1937
The writings and speeches of Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell's own words compiled and edited by W. Cortez Abbot, serving as a standard academic reference.

1939
Publication of 'Oliver Cromwell' by C.V. Wedgwood

In 1939, C.V. Wedgwood published a book titled 'Oliver Cromwell'. The book likely offers a historical account of Cromwell's life and impact.

1957
Cromwell's Impact on Anglo-Irish Relations

Winston Churchill described Cromwell's impact on Anglo-Irish relations, reflecting on the historical events and their lasting effects.

1958
Publication of 'The Lord Protector: Religion And Politics In The Life Of Oliver Cromwell' by Robert Paul

In 1958, Robert Paul released a book titled 'The Lord Protector: Religion And Politics In The Life Of Oliver Cromwell'. The book likely explores the intersection of religion and politics in Cromwell's life.

1960
Oliver Cromwell's Remains Bequeathed to Cambridge College

In 1960, Oliver Cromwell's remains were bequeathed to his old Cambridge College. They were buried near Sidney Sussex chapel, marking the end of a controversial journey for his body.

1965
Irish Minister for Lands' Statement on Cromwell's Policies

In 1965, the Irish Minister for Lands stated that Cromwell's policies needed to be undone, reflecting the negative impact of Cromwell's actions in Ireland.

1966
Writings on Oliver Cromwell since 1929

Paul H. Hardacre's contribution in 'Changing views on British history' discussing writings on Oliver Cromwell since 1929.

1967
Oliver Cromwell and his Parliaments

Hugh Trevor-Roper's work discussing Cromwell and his Parliaments in the context of religion, the Reformation, and social change.

1970
Publication of 'God's Englishman: Oliver Cromwell And The English Revolution' by Christopher Hill

In 1970, Christopher Hill released a book titled 'God's Englishman: Oliver Cromwell And The English Revolution'. The book explores Cromwell's role in the English Revolution and his religious beliefs.

1982
Commonwealth to Protectorate

Austin Woolrych's book shedding light on the transition from Commonwealth to Protectorate.

1985
Publication of 'Oliver Cromwell and the sin of Achan' by Blair Worden

In 1985, Blair Worden contributed to a work titled 'Oliver Cromwell and the sin of Achan'. The book likely examines the religious and moral aspects of Cromwell's era.

1990
Cromwell and his contemporaries

John Morrill's work included in 'Oliver Cromwell and the English Revolution' edited by Morrill, providing insights into Cromwell's era.

1995
Cromwellian Foreign Policy

Timothy Venning's book focusing on Cromwellian foreign policy.

1996
Publication of 'Oliver Cromwell' by Peter Gaunt

In 1996, Peter Gaunt published a short biography of Oliver Cromwell. The book offers a concise overview of Cromwell's life and impact.

1997
Demand to Remove Cromwell's Portrait

Around 1997, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern demanded the removal of Cromwell's portrait from a room in the Foreign Office, showcasing the ongoing resentment towards Cromwell in Ireland.

1999
To Honour God: The Spirituality of Oliver Cromwell

Excerpts from Oliver Cromwell's religious writings compiled by Michael A. G. Haykin.

2000
Constructing Cromwell: Ceremony, Portrait and Print, 1645–1661

Laura Lunger Knoppers' work illustrating how people compared Cromwell to various historical figures.

2003
Publication of 'Oliver Cromwell and the Interregnum' edited by David Smith

In 2003, David Smith edited a book titled 'Oliver Cromwell and the Interregnum'. The book likely provides insights into Cromwell's rule during the Interregnum period.

2007
Publication of 'A New History of Cromwell's Irish Campaign' by Philip McKeiver

In 2007, Philip McKeiver published a new history focusing on Cromwell's Irish Campaign. The book likely offers fresh perspectives on this significant military campaign.

2009
The Reputation of Oliver Cromwell in the 19th century

Peter Gaunt's work exploring the reputation of Oliver Cromwell in the 19th century.

2011
350th anniversary of the execution of Oliver Cromwell

In 2011, the 350th anniversary of the execution of Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of England, was commemorated. Cromwell was executed two and a half years after his death.

2021-10
Debate between Professor Ronald Hutton and Professor John Morrill

In October 2021, a debate took place between Professor Ronald Hutton from the University of Bristol and Professor John Morrill from the University of Cambridge. The debate was part of an event that centered around Cromwell’s letters and speeches.

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Oliver Cromwell
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