Birth of Oliver Cromwell
Birth of Oliver Cromwell
Historical biography timeline
Explore a static chronology of 302 World History Database records for Oliver Cromwell. The page is generated from the same biography records used by the searchable database, making important life events directly crawlable and readable.
Life and historical importance
Parliamentary commander in the English Civil Wars and later Lord Protector. His role in the defeat and execution of Charles I, republican government and military conquest in Ireland makes him one of the most important and controversial figures in British constitutional history.
Editorial overview by World History Database. The chronology below is generated from the site's structured biography records.
Chronology
Records are ordered by year, month and day where dates are available. The wording below comes from the World History Database biography collection.
Birth of Oliver Cromwell
Birth of Oliver Cromwell
Education
Sent to Sidney Sussex College but leaves after the death of his father a year later
Marriage
Marries Elizabeth Bourchier
Member of Parliament
Elected Member of Parliament for Huntingdon
St Ives
Cromwell & his family live in St Ives, 1631-1636
Election for Cambridge
Cambridge electors return Cromwell to the Long Parliament.
Election to Long Parliament
Cromwell is returned as member for Cambridge in the Long Parliament.
Annual Parliaments Bill
Cromwell moves the second reading of a bill proposing annual parliamentary sessions.
Parliamentary Reform Activity
Cromwell supports measures intended to prevent another prolonged suspension of Parliament.
Abolition of Episcopacy Proposal
Cromwell promotes complete removal of bishops from the Church of England.
Root and Branch Bill Introduced
Cromwell supports introduction of legislation seeking abolition of episcopacy.
High Commission Act Supported
Cromwell backs abolition of the court enforcing controversial church policies.
Religious Images Debate
Cromwell supports measures against ceremonial practices regarded as idolatrous.
Response to Irish Rebellion
Cromwell supports stronger parliamentary control during the Irish emergency.
Essex Trained Bands Proposal
Cromwell proposes that the Earl of Essex command trained bands during the emergency.
Military Command Dispute
Cromwell challenges exclusive royal control of armed forces during the Irish emergency.
Trained Bands Proposal
Cromwell proposes placing London's trained bands under the Earl of Essex.
Cambridge Volunteers
Parliament authorises Cromwell to raise two volunteer companies in Cambridgeshire.
Cambridgeshire Volunteers Authorised
Cromwell receives authority to raise volunteer companies in Cambridgeshire.
Cavalry Troop Mustered
Cromwell musters a troop of horse for Parliament's army.
Commission as Captain of Horse
Cromwell receives authority to command a troop of horse raised around Huntingdon.
Battle of Edgehill
Cromwell commands a troop of Parliamentarian horse during the Edgehill campaign.
Disciplined Cavalry Recruitment
Cromwell begins recruiting cavalry selected for discipline and religious commitment.
Reballion of Rebels in Monmouthshire
Cromwell warns Parliament about possible Royalist and Catholic mobilisation in Monmouthshire.
Battle of Grantham
1st victory for Cromwell & the Eastern association
Battle of Grantham
Cromwell defeats a larger Royalist cavalry force near Grantham and strengthens Parliament's position in Lincolnshire.
Siege of Burghley
Leads a successful siege in Northamptonshire against the Countess of Essex
Battle of Gainsborough
Wins a victory over Royalist forces
Battle of Gainsborough
Cromwell helps relieve Gainsborough and drives Royalist cavalry from the field.
Governor
Receives news from Parliament that he has been appointed Governor of the Isle of Ely
Mobilization
Parliament issues instructions for the impressment of 22,000 in London & the east
New Model Army
Parliament issues instructions for the impressment of 22,000 in London & the east
Alliance Oliver Cromwell and Scottish Presbyterianism
Parliament promises to protect Scottish Presbyterianism
Battle of Winceby
Cromwell helps lead Parliamentarian cavalry in the victory at Winceby, strengthening Parliament's control of Lincolnshire.
Battle of Winceby
Cromwell's cavalry helps defeat Royalist horse at Winceby during the struggle for Lincolnshire.
County Associations
Counties are inefficient for managing armies so County Associations are formed
Plantations Comm-Cromwell
Appointed Member of Committee of Plantations
Reform of War Policy
Counties are inefficient for managing armies so County Associations are formed
Lieutenant
Signs the Covenant enabling him to take up the position of Lieutenant Colonel
Eastern Association Cavalry Command
Cromwell receives command of the Eastern Association cavalry and develops the disciplined mounted force later associated with his military reputation.
Battle of Marston Moor
Sweeps away Gorings horse by attacking the Royalists from the rear. Defeats the Royalists near York, leaving 4,000 dead & taking 1,500 prisoners. Cromwell's first major victory, personally commands 2,500 men
Battle of Marston Moor
Cromwell commands Eastern Association cavalry as Parliament and the Scots defeat Prince Rupert.
Cavalry Command at Marston Moor
Cromwell commands the Parliamentarian left-wing cavalry and helps turn the fighting at Marston Moor into a decisive Royalist defeat.
Siege of York
Resumes the siege of York after victory at Marston Moor
Capture of York
Leads the "Ironsides" & captures York
Capture of Newcastle
Commander of "Ironsides" during Parliaments capture of Newcastle
Second Battle of Newbury
Cromwell fights at Second Newbury and later urges a stronger pursuit of the withdrawing Royalist army.
Second Battle of Newbury
Cromwell criticises missed opportunities after the Parliamentarian attack fails to destroy the king's army.
Council of War
Advises a military defeat of the King after Manchester fails to persue him in battle
Criticism of Manchester
Cromwell criticises Manchester's conduct of the war and presses Parliament for a more vigorous military strategy.
Alliance Scotland and Parliament
Helps form an alliance between Scotland & Parliament
Committee of Both Kingdoms
Appointed Member of Committee of Both Kingdoms
Independents
Appointed Leader of the Independents
Reform of Religious Toleration
Leads an Army sect demanding religious toleration & prosecution of criminals
Second in Command
Appointed 2nd-in-Command of the Parliamentary Army
Lieutenant
Appointed Lieutenant General of the Horse & Foot. Appointed 2nd-in-Command for Manchester
Lieutenant
Appointed Lieutenant General of the Horse & Foot
Result of Surrender of Royalist Forces in the West
Royalist resistance in the west collapses further, leaving Oxford as the principal remaining Royalist threat.
Surrender of Royalist Forces in the West
The Royalists are defeated in the West, only Oxford remains as a serious threat. Sir Ralph Hopton signs articles of surrender at Exeter
Dismissal
Removes the existing Generals
Lieutenant
Fairfax succeeds Essex as Captain General & Cromwell becomes Lt General
Second-in-Command
Appointed 2nd-in-Command of the New Model Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax
Second-in-Command
Appointed 2nd-in-Command of the New Model Army
Self-Denying Ordinance
Cromwell is exempted from resignation pressure and continues military service with Parliament's army.
Self-Denying Ordinance
Removes the existing Generals. Creates a New Model Army becoming 2nd-in-Command under Sir Thomas Fairfax. All MPs except Cromwell must relinquish military commissions within 40 days
Battle of Islip
Cromwell routs a detachment of Royalist horse at Islip during his raid against the king's artillery train.
Battle of Faringdon
Defeated in battle by the Earl of Norwich, George Goring
Skirmish at Faringdon
Royalist forces under Goring damage part of Cromwell's regiment near Faringdon after his Oxfordshire raid.
Siege of Oxford
Charles I and Goring evade Parliamentarian forces and leave Oxford during the campaigning season.
Mobilization
Advances toward Kenilworth before parliamentary orders redirect forces during the Oxford operations.
Mobilization
Joins Fairfax near Nuneham as Parliamentarian forces press operations around Oxford.
Mobilization
Serves with Fairfax near Oxford as Parliamentarian forces try to contain Charles I's army.
Battle of Preston
Wins victory over the Scots under Hamilton. The 1st Battle over which Cromwell has independent command
Battle of Worcester
Royalist victory, diverts Fairfax from Oxford, Charles then proceeds safely to Oxford
Mobilization
Arrives in Cambridge to gather horse and reinforce the Eastern Association before rejoining the main campaign.
Commander of New Model Army
The Commons approves Cromwell's appointment as 2nd in Command of the New Model Army
Lieutenant
The Commons approves Cromwell's appointment as Lieutenant General of the Horse
Mobilization
Cromwell moves toward Fairfax before the Naseby campaign as Parliament concentrates forces against Charles I.
Mobilization
Cromwell joins forces with Fairfax & Parliament has an Army of more than 13,000 men
Battle of Naseby
Parliamentary victory, Charles has 7,500 men & Parliamentary forces number 13,500. Contributes to Charles downfall & the ascendancy of Cromwell & the independents
Battle of Naseby
Commands Parliamentarian cavalry on the right and helps Fairfax defeat the king's main field army.
Cavalry Command at Naseby
Cromwell commands the New Model Army's horse at Naseby and turns his victorious cavalry against the Royalist infantry.
Royalist Infantry Flanked at Naseby
After defeating the Royalist cavalry, Cromwell redirects his horsemen against the Royalist foot and helps decide the battle.
Siege of Oxford
Establishes quarters around Holton while preparing pressure on the Royalist capital at Oxford.
Battle of Langport
Cromwell's cavalry contributes to Parliament's victory over Goring's forces at Langport.
Battle of Hambledon Hill
Cromwell routs Dorsetshire clubmen at Hambledon Hill
Assault on Bristol
Cromwell helps command Parliamentarian assaults on Bristol's defences.
Battle of Bristol
Prince Rupert is forced to return to Oxford, his forces intact. Defeats Prince Rupert & captures Bristol
Capture of Bristol
Defeats Prince Rupert & captures Bristol
Siege of Bristol
Defeats Prince Rupert & captures Bristol
Siege of Bristol
Commands part of the Parliamentarian assault around Prior's Hill fort during the storming of Bristol.
Battle of Devizes
Cromwell captures Devizes
Battle of Winchester
Cromwell captures Winchester
Siege of Bristol
Present at Stapleton near Fairfax's headquarters during Parliament's siege of Bristol.
Siege of Bristol
Present near Keynsham during Parliament's siege operations against Bristol.
Battle of Basingstoke
Secures the last major obstacle between London & the West Country. Defeats the Marquise of Winchester
Storming of Basing House
Cromwell takes part in the storming of Basing House, removing a major Royalist stronghold controlling routes west of London.
Storming of Basing House
Cromwell storms Basing House and ends one of the strongest Royalist garrisons in southern England.
Independents
Leads the Independents, a sect demanding religious toleration & prosecution of the war
New Model Army
The New Model Army is created by Oliver Cromwell & Thomas Fairfax. The Committee of Both Kingdoms recommends a new army of 22,000 run by Parliament. Persuades Parliament to adopt a new militia, maintained by impressment & taxation. Modeled after Cromwell's Ironsides
Siege of Oxford
Helps blockade Oxford to prevent Charles I joining forces with Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice.
Siege of Oxford
Oxford agrees surrender terms with Fairfax, ending the Royalist capital's resistance.
Army Council
Cromwell is associated with the Army leadership as officers and Agitators commit the Army not to disband until soldiers' pay, indemnity and political security are addressed
Grandees
Cromwell acts among the Army Grandees as the New Model Army refuses disbandment on Parliament's terms and insists that the soldiers' political and military grievances must be settled
Heads of the Proposals
Cromwell supports the Heads of the Proposals as a moderate Army settlement that would preserve limited monarchy while securing parliamentary and religious safeguards
Siege of London
Enters London with an Army & forces Parliament to take him & the other MPs back
Grandees
Cromwell chairs the Army Council at Putney for the Grandees, attempting to preserve Army unity while allowing Agitators and Leveller advisers to present their constitutional demands
Putney Debates
Cromwell attends Army Council debates over political settlement, representation and the army's demands.
Putney Debates
Cromwell argues that the meeting should receive the radicals' proposals in orderly fashion so that the Army can judge their intentions and preserve unity
Putney Debates
Cromwell chairs the opening session because Fairfax is absent and invites officers, soldiers and civilian advisers to speak on the public settlement after the First Civil War
Agreement of the People
Cromwell seeks to manage the dispute over the Agreement of the People, allowing the radicals to speak while trying to preserve Army unity and prevent a break with constitutional order
Grandees
Cromwell urges caution over breaking with monarchy, reflecting the Grandees' preference for a controlled settlement with Charles I rather than immediate adoption of the Leveller programme
Putney Debates
Cromwell discusses the King's negative voice and treats kingship as contractual, while resisting proposals that would immediately overthrow the monarchy
Putney Debates
Cromwell joins the effort to have proposals refined by committee, aiming to turn the dispute over the Agreement into a controlled constitutional programme
Agitators
Cromwell supports ending the open Army Council debates after the Agitators' demands threaten discipline and expose deep division between radical soldiers and senior officers
Putney Debates
Cromwell backs suspension of the Army Council meetings because the Grandees fear that continued debate over the King and the Agreement will damage military discipline
Army Council
Cromwell helps restore discipline at the Corkbush Field rendezvous after soldiers resist the Army Council's settlement, resulting in arrests and the execution of a mutineer
Grandees
Cromwell helps enforce the Grandees' settlement at the Corkbush Field rendezvous, suppressing Leveller-influenced resistance and restoring discipline within the New Model Army
Levellers
Cromwell suppresses Leveller-influenced resistance at the Corkbush Field rendezvous, restoring Army discipline after soldiers reject the Grandees' settlement and display slogans for England's freedom and soldiers' rights
Arrest of Charles II
Orders the abduction of Charles II at Holmby
Mobilization
Flees Parliament & joins an Army with 100 members of the House of Commons
Battle of Preston
Cromwell attacks the Scottish Engager army near Preston and begins the three-day campaign that destroys the invasion supporting Charles I.
Battle of Preston
Cromwell defeats the Engager army and breaks the main Royalist threat in the Second Civil War.
Battle of Winwick Pass
Fighting in the fields outside the town of Preston, the English Parliamentarian forces of Oliver Cromwell inflict a major reverse on the Anglo-Scottish Royalist army of the Duke of Hamilton
Royalist Army
Fighting in the fields outside the town of Preston, the English Parliamentarian forces of Oliver Cromwell inflict a major reverse on the Anglo-Scottish Royalist army of the Duke of Hamilton
Long Parliament
Divisions emerge culminating in Prides Purge when, under the orders of Oliver Cromwell's son-in-law Henry Ireton, Colonel Pride physically bars about half of the members of Parliament from taking their seats
Prides Purge
Divisions emerge culminating in Prides Purge when, under the orders of Oliver Cromwell's son-in-law Henry Ireton, Colonel Pride physically bars about half of the members of Parliament from taking their seats
Execution
In the wake of the ejections from the Long Parliament, the remnant, the Rump Parliament, arranges for the trial and execution of Charles I
Rump Parliament
In the wake of the ejections from the Long Parliament, the remnant, the Rump Parliament, arranges for the trial and execution of Charles I
Constitution of England
Fails to persuade Charles to accept Constitutional limitations on monarchy. Agrees Parliaments decision to cease constitutional negotiations with the King
Constitution of England
Before the execution of Charles I the Commons makes itself the highest body
Execution
Before the execution of Charles I the Commons makes itself the highest body
Execution
One of the signatories of Charles Is death warrant
Interregnum
Cromwell supported the trial and execution that preceded abolition of the monarchy.
Chairman
Appointed Chairman of the Council of State
Constitution of England
A Council of State becomes an executive over the House of Commons
Reform of Government
A committee including Cromwell revises the lists of JPs throughout England & Wales
Constitution of England
The Commons abolishes the House of Lords, against Cromwell's will
Constitution of England
The monarchy is abolished. The House of Lords is abolished
House of Lords
The House of Lords is abolished
Suppression of Burford Mutiny
Cromwell helps suppress the Leveller-linked mutiny at Burford after army units resist orders and challenge the authority of their commanders.
Commonwealth
Parliament declares England a commonwealth with supreme authority in the Commons
Constitution of England
Parliament declares England a commonwealth with supreme authority in the Commons
Declaration of Commonwealth
Parliament declares England a commonwealth with supreme authority in the Commons
Parliament
Parliament declares England a commonwealth with supreme authority in the Commons
Reform of Parliament
Parliament declares England a commonwealth with supreme authority in the Commons
Interregnum
Cromwell led the Commonwealth campaign to impose parliamentary authority in Ireland.
Reballion of Rebels in Drogheda
Aston refuses to surrender, Cromwell says he is not responsible for the bloodshed
Reballion of Rebels in Drogheda
Orders a massacre of 1,500, including English Royalists, civilians & Catholic priests. More that 3,500 defenders of Drogheda are killed, including 1,000 civilians. Launches a policy of terror to prevent the "effusion of blood". 1st day of the assault on Drogheda but Cromwell is forced to make a temporary retreat
Storming of Drogheda
Cromwell storms Drogheda after refusing surrender terms and captures the Royalist garrison.
Reballion of Rebels in Wexford
Cromwell arrives outside Wexford with 7,000 foot & 2,000 horse
Reballion of Rebels in Wexford
Requests Wexford to surrender but Sinnott refuses & waits for reinforcements
Reballion of Rebels in Wexford
Stafford surrenders Wexford Castle to Cromwell. Cromwell occupies Wexford Castle & 1,500 in Wexford are massacred
Sack of Wexford
Cromwell's forces capture Wexford after negotiations collapse and Parliamentarian troops enter the town.
Reballion of Rebels in Drogheda
Set aside as a day of thanksgiving for the surrender of Drogheda
Reballion of Rebels in Wexford
Orders the massacre of Wexford
Commander in Chief
Appointed Commander in Chief
Commonwealth
The Rump Parliament is responsible for the setting up of the Commonwealth of England
Commonwealth
"be true & faithful to the Commonwealth of England, without a King or House of Lords"
Commonwealth
The Rump Parliament is responsible for the setting up of the Commonwealth of England
Lord Lieutenant
Appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Oath
"be true & faithful to the Commonwealth of England, without a King or House of Lords"
Reballion of Rebels in Dundalk
After the bloodshed of Drogheda Dundalk surrenders without resistance
Reballion of Rebels in New Ross
Accepts the surrender of New Ross
Reballion of Rebels in Trim
After the bloodshed of Drogheda Trim surrenders without resistance
Reform of Government
A committee including Cromwell revises the lists of JPs throughout England & Wales. The name of the King's Bench is changed to the Upper Bench
Rump Parliament
The Rump Parliament is responsible for the setting up of the Commonwealth of England
Siege of Kilkenny
Cromwell accepts Kilkenny's surrender after disease and bombardment weaken the Confederate garrison.
Battle of Clonmel
Cromwells 8000 men eventually take the town from its 1000 Irish defenders, but not before they suffer heavy losses
Siege of Clonmel
Cromwell's troops suffer heavy losses when Hugh Dubh O'Neill's defence traps the attackers at Clonmel.
Return from Ireland
Cromwell returns to England after leaving the Irish command to Henry Ireton.
Commander in Chief
Succeeds Fairfax as captain-general and commander in chief before the Scottish campaign.
Invasion of Scotland
Sets off with a force to invade Scotland
Invasion of Scotland
Crosses the Scottish border at the head of an Army of 16,000
Invasion of Scotland
Holds a council of war & decides to retreat to Dunbar & fortify the town
Siege of Dunbar
Holds a council of war & decides to retreat to Dunbar & fortify the town. Decides to Fortify Dunbar in the hope of provoking Leslie into battle
Battle of Haddington
Marches to Haddington persued by Leslie who puts Cromwell's rearguard into disorder
Siege of Dunbar
Offers the Scots battle, they refuse & Cromwell falls back to Dunbar
Battle of Dunbar
Writes that lying outside Dunbar is consuming the army as sickness spreads before battle.
Battle of Dunbar
Defeats David Leslie's Scottish army at Dunbar and opens the route to Edinburgh.
Interregnum
Cromwell defeated the Scottish army supporting Charles II at Dunbar.
Siege of Edinburgh
Begins operations around Edinburgh after victory at Dunbar weakens Scottish resistance in the south.
Surrender of Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle surrenders to Parliamentarian forces after Cromwell's army occupies southern Scotland.
Commander in Chief
Cromwell is appointed Fairaxs successor, "captain-general and Commander in Chief of all the forces raised or to be raised at authority of Parliament within the Commonwealth of England"
Commonwealth
Cromwell is appointed Fairaxs successor, "captain-general and Commander in Chief of all the forces raised or to be raised at authority of Parliament within the Commonwealth of England"
Commonwealth Arms
Orders royal symbols removed and replaced with the arms of the Commonwealth.
King's Arms
Orders removal of the king's arms from public use after the establishment of the Commonwealth.
Council of State
The Council of State is established by Act of Parliament as a ruling body
Council of State
The Council of States 14 members are elected, including Cromwell
Constitution of England
The Monarchy is abolished
Constitution of England
The House of Lords is abolished, Cromwell wished to keep it as an advisery body
House of Lords
The House of Lords is abolished, Cromwell wished to keep it as an advisery body
Commonwealth
The Commonwealth is formerly enacted by Parliament
Reform of Parliament
The Commonwealth is formerly enacted by Parliament
Siege of Perth
Perth surrenders after Cromwell's advance cuts the Scottish army from supplies and reinforcements.
Mobilization
Joins forces with Lambert and Harrison at Warwick during the pursuit of Charles II.
Battle of Worcester
Writes that the enemy in Worcester must fight or be trapped as Parliamentarian forces close around the city.
Encirclement of Worcester
Cromwell tightens the Parliamentarian encirclement, leaving Charles II increasingly confined around Worcester and unable to continue toward London.
Mobilization
Arrives near Evesham south-east of Worcester with the army preparing to close on Charles II.
Artillery Deployment
Cromwell positions Parliamentarian artillery on the heights around Red Hill and Perry Wood east of Worcester.
Bombardment of Worcester
Cromwell's artillery begins bombarding Worcester from positions around Perry Wood as the Parliamentarian siege lines tighten.
Battle of Worcester
Cromwell leads a Parliamentarian army of about thirty thousand against Charles II's smaller Royalist and Scottish force at Worcester.
Battle of Worcester
Leads about 28,000 Parliamentarian troops to victory over Charles II at Worcester.
Bombardment from Fort Royal
Cromwell's forces turn captured guns at Fort Royal against Worcester as Royalist resistance disintegrates.
Capture of Fort Royal
Parliamentarian troops seize Fort Royal during Cromwell's final assault, breaking a major part of Worcester's south-eastern defence.
Crossing of the Severn
Cromwell personally leads three brigades across the Severn pontoon to reinforce the Parliamentarian attack west of the river.
Flanking Attack
Cromwell's brigades strike the Scottish flank while Fleetwood presses from the front, forcing the defenders away from the Teme.
Reinforcement of Perry Wood
Cromwell reinforces the eastern fighting after Charles II's counterattack threatens Parliamentarian positions around Perry Wood.
Battle Report
Cromwell reports the total defeat of the Royalist army and describes the victory at Worcester as a crowning mercy.
Demobilization after Worcester
Cromwell releases newly raised local forces after the victory, reducing the military burden on counties that had answered Parliament's call.
Dismantling Worcester Defences
Cromwell orders Worcester's walls pulled down and its defensive ditches filled after the Parliamentarian victory.
Prisoners at Worcester Cathedral
Thousands of Royalist prisoners are gathered at Worcester Cathedral while Cromwell's army secures the city after the battle.
Dissolution of Parliament
Dissolution of the "Rump Parliament" is debated by a committe set up for the purpose
Pontoon Bridge Preparations
Cromwell prepares floating bridges across the Severn and Teme so his separated wings can support one another during the assault.
Reform of Trade
Anti-Dutch legislation forbids importation by by Dutch shipping
Interregnum
The Commonwealth enacted a Navigation Ordinance during Cromwell's military ascendancy.
Constitution of England
Decides it is necessary for a "settlement of the nation" & a constitution
Act of General Pardon and Oblivion
Parliament enacts the General Pardon and Oblivion after Worcester, offering broad wartime pardons while excluding specified offenders.
Legislation
The Act of Indemnity, for acts of treason before the Battle of Worcester
Pardon
The Act of Indemnity, for acts of treason before the Battle of Worcester
Treason
The Act of Indemnity, for acts of treason before the Battle of Worcester
Legislation
The Act of Settlement is passed. Irishmen who have killed an Englishman except in war will be executed & lose estates. Anti-English are liable to lose land & be deported
Reform of Government
The Act of Settlement is passed. Irishmen who have killed an Englishman except in war will be executed & lose estates. Anti-English are liable to lose land & be deported
Sale-Hyde Park
Cromwell sells Hyde Park to 3 buyes for œ17,000, an entrance fee is required
Siege of Dunettar
The final capitulation of the scattered Royalist strongholds
Constitution of England
Cromwell holds a conference to discuss a new provisional Government
Provisional Government
Cromwell holds a conference to discuss a new provisional Government
Constitution of England
The Council of State is dissolved, the army is left in power
Council of State
The Council of State is dissolved, the army is left in power
Interregnum
Cromwell dissolved the Rump Parliament after denouncing its continued rule.
Parliament
Enters the Commons & forcefully expels the Rump Parliament
Barebones Parliament
The Barebones Parliament is forcefully dissolved
Dissolution of Parliament
The Barebones Parliament is forcefully dissolved
Constitution of England
Cromwell accepts the position of Lord Protector. As Protector, Cromwell has the power to call and dissolve Parliaments but is obliged under the Instrument of Government to seek the majority vote of a Council of State
Instrument of Government
As Protector, Cromwell has the power to call and dissolve Parliaments but is obliged under the Instrument of Government to seek the majority vote of a Council of State
Interregnum
Cromwell became Lord Protector under the written constitution called the Instrument of Government.
Lord Protector
Cromwell signs his name Oliver P, standing for Oliver Protector - in a similar style to that used by English monarchs - and it soon becomes the norm for others to address him as "Your highness". As Protector, Cromwell has the power to call and dissolve Parliaments but is obliged under the Instrument of Government to seek the majority vote of a Council of State. Appointed Lord Protector
Barebones Parliament
Calls a Puritan Convention which is nicknamed the Barebones Parliament
Constitution of England
After the dissolution of the Barebones Parliament, John Lambert puts forward a new constitution known as the Instrument of Government, closely modelled on the Heads of Proposals, it makes Cromwell Lord Protector for life
Dissolution of Parliament
Dissolves the Rump Parliament
Instrument of Government
After the dissolution of the Barebones Parliament, John Lambert puts forward a new constitution known as the Instrument of Government, closely modelled on the Heads of Proposals, it makes Cromwell Lord Protector for life
Parliament
Calls a Puritan Convention which is nicknamed the Barebones Parliament
Parliament
The Rump Parliament is replaced by a Puritan Parliament
Rump Parliament
Oliver Cromwell forcibly disbands the Rump when it seems they might disband his expensive army of 50,000 men
Treaty of Westminster
Concludes peace with the Dutch Republic, ending the First Anglo-Dutch War
First Protectorate Parliament
The first Protectorate Parliament meets for the first time
Interregnum
Cromwell opened the First Protectorate Parliament under the new constitutional system.
Protectorate Parliament Opening
Addresses the first Protectorate Parliament at its inaugural meeting
Constitution of England
Tells Parliament that sovereignty is not a mere feather in the hat
Dutch Conference
Hosts talks with Dutch representatives but fails to obtain political union
Protectorate Government
Governs under the Instrument of Government as the Protectorate settles into operation
Dissolution of Parliament
Dissolves the First Protectorate Parliament after constitutional conflict
Interregnum
Cromwell dissolved the First Protectorate Parliament after disputes over constitutional authority.
Suppression of Penruddock Rising
Suppresses the royalist rising and hardens security policy
Invasion of Jamaica
The Western Design captures Jamaica from Spain under Penn and Venables
Rule of the Major-Generals
Orders Major-Generals to be appointed to control local militias and security
Commercial Treaty with France
Agrees a commercial treaty with France after worsening relations with Spain
War with Spain
Moves into open conflict with Spain after the seizure of Jamaica
Decimation Tax
Uses a tax on Royalists to fund militia and security under the major-generals
Launch of Naseby
Launches the large warship Naseby during the naval expansion of the Protectorate
Interregnum
Cromwell opened the Second Protectorate Parliament.
Parliament
The 2nd Proctorate Parliament opens
Declaration of War
Declares War against Spain
Plot
Charles II offers a knighthood & 500 pounds pension pa to anyone who would kill Cromwell
Trade Treaty at London
Portugal ratifies a commercial Treaty with England
Constitution of England
Cromwell is offered the crown by Parliament as part of a revised constitutional settlement, presenting him with a dilemma, since he had been "instrumental" in abolishing the monarchy, Cromwell agonises for six weeks over the offer
Parliament
Cromwell is offered the crown by Parliament as part of a revised constitutional settlement, presenting him with a dilemma, since he had been "instrumental" in abolishing the monarchy, Cromwell agonises for six weeks over the offer
Constitution of England
Makes clear that Gods providence had spoken against his office of king, "I would not seek to set up that which Providence hath destroyed and laid in the dust, and I would not build Jericho again"
Humble Petition
Cromwell rejects the Humble Petition
Interregnum
Cromwell formally refused the crown offered under the Humble Petition and Advice.
Kingship
Cromwell rejects the offer of the Kingship
Succession
Cromwell rejects the offer of the Kingship
Succession
Announces he will not accept the title of King
Investiture
Agrees to Parliaments proposal that he should be invested as Lord Protector
Constitution of England
Cromwell is installed as Lord Protector under a new constitution
Interregnum
Cromwell underwent a second inauguration with ceremonial features resembling monarchy.
Investiture
Invested as Lord Protector in Westminster Hall, where Charles I was tried 8 yrs prior
Lord Protector
Cromwell is ceremonially re-installed as Lord Protector (with greater powers than had previously been granted him under this title) at Westminster Hall, sitting upon King Edward's Chair which was specially moved from Westminster Abbey
Alliance Agreement with France
Signs a Treaty of alliance with France
Alliance Oliver Cromwell and France
Signs a Treaty of alliance with France
Anglo-French Flanders Alliance Implemented
Cromwell commits English troops and naval support to joint operations against Spain in Flanders.
Capture of Dunkirk
It is agreed France will capture Gravelines & England will capture Dunkirk & Mardyck
Capture of Gravelines
It is agreed France will capture Gravelines & England will capture Dunkirk & Mardyck
Capture of Mardyck
It is agreed France will capture Gravelines & England will capture Dunkirk & Mardyck
England will provide a fleet & 6,000 men & France 20,000 men
England will provide a fleet & 6,000 men & France 20,000 men against Spain in Flanders
Constitution of England
The Upper House will consist of 70 members nominated by Cromwell
Reform of Parliament
The Upper House will have 70 members nominated by Cromwell to balance the Commons
Constitution of England
An Upper House is established by a Bill passed by Parliament
Legislation
An Upper House is established by a Bill passed by Parliament
Battle of Dunes
Victory for the French & English over the Spanish
Capture of Dunkirk
England captures Dunkirk from Spain. Dunkirk is surrendered
Rule of Dunkirk
Dunkirk remains in English hands until Charles II sells it to Louis XIV in 1662
Death of Oliver Cromwell
Death of Oliver Cromwell, during a bout of malarial fever
Death of Oliver Cromwell
Death of Oliver Cromwell
Interregnum
Oliver Cromwell died, destabilising the Protectorate settlement.
Burial
Lying-in-State with an effigy, imitating the tradition of Kings. Lying-in-State from 18 October to 10 November at Somerset House
Sends 6,000 Ironsides to join up with Turennes army of 20,000
Sends 6,000 Ironsides to join up with Turennes army of 20,000
Posthumous Attainder
Cromwell is attainted after death for his central role in the Commonwealth and regicide settlement.
Posthumous Execution
Cromwell's body is posthumously hanged at Tyburn as part of the Restoration punishment of regicide leaders.
Statue
A statue in honour of Cromwell is unveiled
Statue
A statue in honour of Cromwell is unveiled opposite the Houses of Parliament
Statue
A statues in honour of Oliver Cromwell is unveiled at St Ives
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Compiled and edited by World History Database
Biography timelines are compiled from the World History Database and checked against established historical and biographical reference sources.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
Reference points include Encyclopaedia Britannica biographies, The National Archives, Library of Congress, and U.S. National Archives. Individual database records may draw on additional specialist sources appropriate to the person, period or event.
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