Introduction
Early life
1616-17
1628-29
1640
1642
1643
1644
1645
1647
1648
1649
1650
1651
1653
1654
1655
1656
1657
1658
Introduction
Since Oliver Cromwell's death as Lord Protector in 1658 his life, ambitions, motives and actions have been the subject of scholarly investigation and intense, often vitriolic, debate. Whatever position is taken on Cromwell, "Chief of Men"; or "Brave Bad Man", his importance as a key figure in one of the most troubled periods of British history is unassailable.
Early life
Oliver Cromwell was born in Huntingdon, England on April 25th 1599. He attended Huntingdon Grammar School, now the Cromwell Museum.
1616-17
Cromwell enters Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge - a college with strong Puritan ethos - to study Law. After the death of his father in June 1617 he leaves college, without taking his degree, to support his family.
1628-29
Cromwell becomes the Member of Parliament for Huntingdon in 1628. In 1629 Parliament is dissolved by Charles I.
1640
Charles I reconvenes Parliament. Cromwell is returned as Member of Parliament for Cambridge.
1642
Cromwell raises troops for Parliament.
1643
Cromwell becomes Colonel in the Eastern Association.
1644
Cromwell is made Lieutenant-General of the Eastern Association Army - Battle of Marston Moor, 2 July - Battle of Newbury, 27 October
1645
Cromwell promoted to Lieutenant-General of New Model Army - Battle of Naseby, 14 June
1647
Supports Parliamentary Army in clashes with Parliament.
1648
Crushes royalist rising in South Wales - Battle of Preston, 18 August
1649
Supports trial and execution of King Charles I, January - Commands army sent to crush Ireland, August
1650
Commands army sent to crush Scotland, July - Battle of Dunbar, 3 September
1651
Battle of Worcester, 3 September
1653
Cromwell dissolves Parliament, 20 April - Cromwell becomes Lord Protector
1654
Meets first Protectorate Parliament, September
1655
System of Major-Generals established, October
1656
Meets second Protectorate Parliament
1657
Rejects Parliament's offer of the crown and remains Lord Protector, March to June
1658
Cromwell dies at Whitehall, 3 September