History of Richard Cromwell

Richard Cromwell, son of Oliver Cromwell, occupies a fascinating yet often overlooked niche in British history. His brief tenure as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1658 to 1659 marks a transitional period in the turbulence following the English Civil War. His life and political career serve as both a reflection of his father's legacy and a testament to the challenges of succession in a time of political instability.

Born on October 4, 1626, Richard was the third son of Oliver Cromwell and Elizabeth Bourchier. Unlike his father, Richard was not a military man; his upbringing and experiences were markedly different. He received a gentleman’s education, studying at Felsted School in Essex and later at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, but he did not graduate. His early life was relatively quiet, a characteristic that would define much of his public persona. Richard's interests leaned more toward country affairs and local governance, as he took on roles such as Justice of the Peace and involved himself in local militia activities.

With the death of King Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, the Cromwell family’s political standing rose immeasurably. Oliver’s reign, characterized by his military skill and iron-fisted rule, did not initially position Richard for leadership. However, Richard became increasingly involved in matters of state as his father’s health declined. Despite his lack of military experience, Richard was inducted into the influential Westminster Palace circle. In 1657, he was appointed to the Upper House of the Second Protectorate Parliament, a move by Oliver that raised many eyebrows due to Richard's relatively low political profile.

Oliver Cromwell's death on September 3, 1658, precipitated a critical juncture. The Protectorate needed continuity, and Richard Cromwell was named successor primarily due to the senior Cromwell's will rather than his capability. On September 4, 1658, Richard was proclaimed Lord Protector. His ascension was met with mixed emotions. Some factions within the Commonwealth viewed him merely as a figurehead lacking the military prowess and political acumen that his father had wielded so effectively.

Richard's tenure was marked by significant challenges. The political landscape of England was fraught with division; Royalists, Republicans, and other factions vied for influence. Richard attempted to govern through consensus, calling the Third Protectorate Parliament in January 1659, which proved contentious. Lacking a legal basis for governance like that of a king or Parliament, Richard’s rule was inherently unstable.

A major issue during his protectorship was the state of the military. Oliver had garnered control through the support of the army, but Richard, lacking military roots, struggled to exert similar influence. The army, which had become effectively an autonomous political entity, posed an increasing threat. Tensions between the civilian parliament and the army grew, leading to Richard's eventual downfall. The Grandees, senior military leaders, viewed Richard’s overtures to the civilian authorities as a threat to their power.

In April 1659, the tensions came to a head when the army forced Richard to dissolve Parliament. In May of the same year, the Rump Parliament was reinstated, essentially reversing much of Oliver Cromwell's work and nullifying Richard’s authority. Understanding that his position had become untenable and without the support of the military, Richard voluntarily resigned in May 1659.

Following his resignation, Richard slipped into obscurity. Fearing retribution amidst the chaotic political environment, he left England for the continent in 1660, a wise decision given the restoration of the monarchy under King Charles II. Richard lived under various pseudonyms across France and later Switzerland.

In 1680, Richard returned to England. The latter half of his life was much quieter; he largely avoided politics and spent his time in relative seclusion in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. Richard Cromwell passed away on July 12, 1712, having outlived all the major players of the tumultuous interregnum period he briefly participated in.

Richard Cromwell's political career is often depicted as a cautionary tale of inadequacy and the complexities of dynastic succession, especially in contexts where legitimacy is questioned. His lack of military support and political experience rendered his position as Lord Protector tenuous. While not remembered for his political successes, Richard’s life underscores the profound shifts within English governance during the 17th century and how the legacies of powerful leaders can burden their successors. The Cromwellian experiment in governance came to an end with him, paving the way for the restoration of the monarchy — an indication of the cyclical nature of power. Though his time in power was ephemeral, Richard Cromwell remains a symbol of the challenges faced by those unable to live up to the towering legacies of their predecessors.