Oliver Cromwell

English military and political leader

Born: April 25, 1599 · Died: September 3, 1658

Famous Persons

Who was Oliver Cromwell?

Oliver Cromwell (25 April 1599 – 3 September 1658) was an English statesman, farmer and soldier, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in British history. He came to prominence during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, initially as a senior commander in the Parliamentarian army and later as a politician. Although elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdon in 1628, much of Cromwell's life prior to 1640 was marked by financial and personal failure. He became a religious Independent in the 1630s, and thereafter believed his successes were the result of divine providence. In 1640, he served as MP for Cambridge in the Short and Long Parliaments. In 1645, he was appointed commander of the New Model Army cavalry under Thomas Fairfax, and he played a key role in winning the English Civil War.

Historical significance

A leading advocate of the execution of Charles I in January 1649, which led to the establishment of the Commonwealth of England, Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector from December 1653 until his death in September 1658. He joined the Parliamentarian army when the First English Civil War began in August 1642 and quickly demonstrated his military prowess.

Portrait of Cromwell's wife Elizabeth Bourchier

Sources and further reading

Use the dated article for the day-specific account; use these references to check the event record and explore its wider historical context.

Wikipedia source

Cite this page

MLA

“Oliver Cromwell.” thisDay, thisday.info/people/oliver-cromwell/. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

APA

Oliver Cromwell. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://thisday.info/people/oliver-cromwell/

Chicago

“Oliver Cromwell.” thisDay. Accessed October 12, 2026. https://thisday.info/people/oliver-cromwell/.

Found an error? Let us know.