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.

Oliver Cromwell was born in Huntingdon, England on April 25th 1599. He attended Huntingdon Grammar School, now the Cromwell Museum.

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.

Cromwell becomes the Member of Parliament for Huntingdon in 1628. In 1629 Parliament is dissolved by Charles I.

Charles I reconvenes Parliament. Cromwell is returned as Member of Parliament for Cambridge.

Cromwell raises troops for Parliament.

Cromwell becomes Colonel in the Eastern Association.

Cromwell is made Lieutenant-General of the Eastern Association Army - Battle of Marston Moor, 2 July - Battle of Newbury, 27 October

Cromwell promoted to Lieutenant-General of New Model Army - Battle of Naseby, 14 June

Supports Parliamentary Army in clashes with Parliament.

Crushes royalist rising in South Wales - Battle of Preston, 18 August

Supports trial and execution of King Charles I, January - Commands army sent to crush Ireland, August

Commands army sent to crush Scotland, July - Battle of Dunbar, 3 September

Battle of Worcester, 3 September

Cromwell dissolves Parliament, 20 April - Cromwell becomes Lord Protector

Meets first Protectorate Parliament, September

System of Major-Generals established, October

Meets second Protectorate Parliament

Rejects Parliament's offer of the crown and remains Lord Protector, March to June

Cromwell dies at Whitehall, 3 September