COMMONWEALTH AND PROTECTORATE (1649-1660) OLIVER CROMWELL

23rd June 1650

The Scots forced Charles II to agree to make England Presbyterian in return for Scottish support to restore the monarchy in England. Although this pacified the Scots it reduced Charles’s support in England.

22nd July 1650

Oliver Cromwell invaded Scotland.

1st January 1651

Charles II was crowned King of Scotland at Scone.

July 1651

Charles II managed to evade Cromwell’s forces and invaded England with the intent of capturing London. As soon as Cromwell realised Charles had gone south he left Scotland in pursuit.

3rd September 1651

Battle of Worcester: Cromwell met Charles II’s forces at Worcester. Cromwell secured victory. Charles managed to avoid being captured by hiding in an oak tree. He then fled to France.

Late 1651

Charles travelled around Europe trying to find support to mount a campaign to take back control from Cromwell. As France, Holland and Spain refused to back him he had no choice but to remain in exile.

16th December 1653

Oliver Cromwell, was appointed Lord Protector of England for life. The title gave him full control over government and the judiciary.

May 1655

Britian seized the island of Jamacia from Spain

3rd September 1658

Oliver Cromwell died in the Palace of Whitehall from a fever. He was succeeded by his son, Richard Cromwell, the second Lord Protector of the Stuart period.

6th May 1659

Richard Cromwell was removed from power by the army who reinstalled the Rump Parliament (the Parliament that had tried King Charles I for treason).