Oliver 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. He is known for making England a republic and leading the Commonwealth of England.
Political Figure
April 25, 1599
Taurus
September 03, 1658
59
Huntingdon, England
Oliver Cromwell was a prominent English military leader and politician who played a crucial role in the English Civil War and the formation of a republican Commonwealth. As Lord Protector, he governed England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 until his death in 1658. Cromwell is primarily known for his military prowess, the subjugation of Ireland, and the creation of England’s first professional standing army. Some of his most notable accomplishments include the execution of King Charles I, the 1651 Navigation Act, and his influence on the evolution of parliamentary democracy in England. Additionally, he was involved in the Cromwellian Genocide in Ireland, which has contributed to his contentious reputation in British history.
An intriguing fact about Oliver Cromwell is that his statue, located outside the Houses of Parliament, was not erected until 1895. Most of the funds for the statue were privately provided by Prime Minister Lord Rosebery.