Oliver Cromwell
1599–1658 · English (Huntingdon) · English Civil War, Commonwealth
Known for: Led the Parliamentary army that executed King Charles I and ruled England as Lord Protector
Cromwell was a Puritan gentleman farmer who became one of history's most successful revolutionaries. He led the New Model Army to victory in the English Civil War, signed the death warrant of King Charles I, and ruled England as Lord Protector for five years.
He conquered Ireland with devastating brutality (the massacres at Drogheda and Wexford are still remembered) and imposed Puritan morality on England—banning Christmas celebrations, theater, and most forms of fun.
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