History of Richard Cromwell

Richard Cromwell, often overshadowed by the towering legacy of his father, Oliver Cromwell, was an English politician who became Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland in the late 1650s. His tenure and political career, albeit brief and somewhat ignominious, were set against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in British history.

Born on October 4, 1626, Richard was the third son of Oliver Cromwell and Elizabeth Bourchier. Unlike his father, who was a formidable military leader and statesman, Richard's life was largely characterized by domesticity and a lack of political or military experience. Educated at Felsted School in Essex, he was expected to follow a relatively quiet life, initially reflecting little ambition or inclination toward governance or military affairs.

The rise of the Cromwells began with the English Civil War, where Oliver Cromwell emerged as a key figure, eventually playing a central role in the execution of King Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England. As Oliver ascended to the position of Lord Protector in 1653, his family's status elevated significantly, positioning Richard closer to power even though he remained largely inactive in governmental matters.

Richard Cromwell’s involvement in politics escalated following the death of his elder brother, Oliver Cromwell’s intended heir. In 1657, Richard was appointed to the House of Lords—a body reinstated by Oliver's Protectorate under the Humble Petition and Advice, a constitutional document which also named Richard as Oliver’s successor. Richard’s rise was more a reflection of his lineage rather than personal ambition or capability; he was seen as a pliable figure who could perpetuate stability and continuity after Oliver’s rule.

The pivotal moment in Richard’s life came on September 3, 1658, when Oliver Cromwell died. Richard was proclaimed Lord Protector on September 4, inheriting a highly unstable political landscape. The Protectorate faced external threats from ongoing wars and internal fractiousness, with growing discontent among various political factions.

Richard’s lack of military involvement and perceived weakness led to immediate challenges from within. In contrast to his father, who commanded respect and loyalty through force of personality and military acumen, Richard was seen as indecisive and overly reliant on civil administration. This perception made him vulnerable to the machinations of more experienced politicians and military leaders.

The key issue was the tension between the military and civilian government. Many officers and soldiers, instrumental to the Protectorate’s maintenance, viewed Richard as ineffective. His efforts to summon the Third Protectorate Parliament in January 1659 further exposed these divides. The Parliament was a contentious assembly, with royalists, republicans, and Cromwellians clashing over the future direction of England.

Richard faced considerable opposition, especially from the army, which had grown restless under civilian control. The financial pressures and the demand for disbandment without pay exacerbated these tensions. Eventually, military leaders, particularly those loyal to the republican ideals of the commonwealth, pressured Richard to dissolve Parliament in April 1659, effectively stripping him of any meaningful power.

Richard’s reluctance to confront the military establishment and his downgrade of authority showcased his lack of preparation and disposition for such a role. While he sought negotiation and compromise, his inability to command the respect or loyalty of the military was a fatal flaw in his leadership.

Riding the wave of instability, the army, led by figures such as Charles Fleetwood and John Lambert, restored the Rump Parliament, a move that illustrated their desire to revert to the earlier republican governance model. Seeing that he had no substantial backing, Richard resigned on May 25, 1659, thus ending his brief stint as the head of state. His resignation paved the way for a series of political upheavals that culminated in the restoration of the monarchy under King Charles II in 1660.

After his resignation, Richard Cromwell went into self-imposed exile, first in Paris and then in various locations across Europe. His exit from politics was complete and resolute, marking the swift disappearance of a figure who had once been at the helm of power in England. He returned to England in 1680, after an absence of nearly two decades, to live quietly under an assumed name, distanced from political life.

Richard Cromwell died on July 12, 1712, living out his latter years in relative obscurity compared to the tumultuous times of his early life. His legacy, often overshadowed by the drama and impact of his father’s reign, remains a subject of debate in historical circles. Seen by some as a tragic figure engulfed by events beyond his control and by others as a symbol of the perils of nepotism and unprepared succession, Richard Cromwell’s tenure as Lord Protector undeniably highlighted the complexities and volatility of leadership in a period of English history marked by civil turmoil and transformation.