OLIVER CROMWELL
1599 - 1658
Painting by by Robert Walker
© National Portrait Gallery, London

Oliver was an English soldier. He ruled the country 1653 - 1658.

Born in Huntingdon, England, Oliver lived 59 years during which he was among other things busy as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland.


His hobbies were studying and learning, reading his Bible, hunting, music (especially listening to the organ). He had a good eye for horses.

His wife was Elizabeth Bourchier. Together they had nine children (five sons and four daughters.)

Oliver's father was Robert Cromwell, a member of Queen Elizabeth's parliament. Oliver's mother was Elizabeth Steward.

The Cromwells were originally Williams's. It went like this: Olivers great-great-grandfather, Morgan Williams, married the sister of Thomas Cromwell. Thomas was Henry VIII's chief adviser. After this marriage, the family took on the name Cromwell.

Oliver was a very good military organizer and soldier. He thought it was important to have discipline in the army. But he was also a kind and tolerant man and cared for his soldiers. He was devoted to his family.

One of Oliver's weaknesses was that he failed to train his son Richard sufficiently. Richard was appointed as Oliver's successor but the kid made some bad decisions and finally had to abdicate.


Oliver's accomplishments
He helped overthrowing the Stuart monarchy, signed King Charles' death warrant, and brought stability to the country after the English Civil Wars.

During Oliver's reign, religious toleration was practiced. The education of his fellow citizens was of special concern to him.

Oliver's slogan
Necessity hath no law. 

Here is Oliver Cromwell's timeline.