* This one is complicated. Charles I was executed January 30, 1649 after which England became a republic known as the Commonwealth. Cromwell served as Chairman of the Council of State, and in 1654 concluded the Anglo-Dutch War which had started in 1652.
1. December 16, 1653: Cromwell is sworn in as Lord Protector.
2. September 3, 1654: The First Protectorate Parliament is summoned by Cromwell. The Major-Generals rule as a direct military government from August 1655 to January 1657.
3. September 17, 1656: The Second Protectorate Parliament.
4. April 13, 1657: Cromwell turns down the offer to become King.
5. September 3, 1658: Cromwell dies from natural causes. Details of his state funeral and amusing posthumous execution can be found here.
On his death, Cromwell was succeeded as Lord Protector by his son Richard Cromwell who lasted less than a year before he was given the push. After that he spent two decades travelling on the Continent before returning to England where he died at the age of 85.
To Cromwell Day
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