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Oliver Cromwell 1599-1658
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Image above:
Oliver Cromwell
Painting by by
Robert Walker
© National Portrait Gallery, London |
Oliver Cromwell was an English soldier. He ruled
the country from 1653 to 1658.
Oliver Cromwell's Life in a Nutshell
Born in Huntingdon, England, Oliver
lived 59 years during which he was, among other things, serving as Lord
Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Oliver Cromwell's hobbies were studying and learning, reading his Bible, hunting,
music (especially listening to the organ). He had a good eye for
horses.
Oliver Cromwell's Family
Cromwell's wife was Elizabeth Bourchier. Together they had nine
children (five sons and four daughters.)
Oliver Cromwell's father was Robert Cromwell, a member of Queen
Elizabeth's parliament. His mother was Elizabeth Steward.
The Cromwells were originally Williams's. It came about like this:
Oliver Cromwell's
great-great-grandfather, Morgan Williams, married the sister of
Thomas Cromwell. Thomas was
Henry
VIII's chief adviser. After this marriage, the family took
on the name Cromwell.
Oliver Cromwell's Career
Oliver Cromwell was a very good military organizer and soldier. He
emphasized the importance of having discipline in the army. But he was also a kind
and tolerant man and cared for his soldiers. He was devoted to his
family.
On April 20, 1653, Oliver Cromwell, with
military backup, dismissed the Rump Parliament, also called the Long
Parliament, with a fiery speech. Go here for the
Dismissal of the Rump Parliament speech.
One of Oliver's weaknesses was that he failed to train his son
Richard sufficiently. Richard was appointed as Oliver Cromwell's
successor but the kid made some bad decisions and finally had to
abdicate.
Oliver Cromwell's Accomplishments
Cromwell helped overthrowing the
Stuart
monarchy, signed
King Charles' death warrant, and brought
stability to the country after the
English Civil Wars.
During
Cromwell's reign, religious toleration was practiced. The education of
his fellow citizens was of special concern to him.
Oliver Cromwell's Slogan
"Necessity hath no law."
Here is Oliver
Cromwell's timeline.
More History
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