American Couple Reacts: Oliver Cromwell! The Man Who Killed A King! FIRST TIME REACTION! FASCINATING

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

We thought we were going to be learning about just one man but we learned about SO MUCH MORE! This is truly fascinating, intense and shocking! We really were blown away! Let us know your thoughts. Some Say Cromwell was a Tyrant others a Hero...? Drop us a comment. If you Like this video, please click the Like button and thank you for watching everyone!

[@guyfarrugia7787]

To this day the Sovereign retains the right to dismiss Parliament. However , whether the monarchy would survive the ensuing row is another matter.

[@marvintpandroid2213]

@@guyfarrugia7787 the last person to illegally dissolve parliament was the last but one PM, the one that gave knighthoods to his Russian mates. History doesn't repeat but it does have a few tunes that get replayed.

[@gallowglass2630]

In ireland cromwell is regarded as the most evil man imaginable in the vein of hitler.They are a few revisionist historians ,but generally he is the historical figure irish people hate the most .

[@AV-fo5de]

Cromwell was not happy that Scotland and Ireland did not accept his overlordship, and fought against him. He and his General Monck had many men, women and children put to the sword in the city of Dundee, maybe as many as 1000, because they had shut the gates against his troops (Roundheads), and had to pay for it. Recently, an MP in the House of Commons, laughed about how Oliver Cromwell defeated the Scots at Dunbar and sent them as "slaves to the colonies." The independent kingdom of Scotland was forcibly incorporated into a commonwealth with England. Cromwell destroyed many beautiful churches, abbeys and cathedrals, or had his men stabling their horses in the sacred buildings. Religious festivals were banned - including Christmas. These moves were not popular. Charles I was born in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. The King wore two shirts as it was a cold day and he didn't want people to think he was shaking with fear.

[@sueharrison8193]

@AV Thanks for a great comment. Yes, there are many places "Cromwell knocked about a bit" My own city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne was besieged by Lord Leven of the Scots Army, with many citizens tortured and killed. As for the others, starving and waiting in vain for rescue, they eventually surrendered. Incidentally, our Castle Keep still stands intact to this day.

[@Yewchoobarkontz]

I work for a secondhand bookseller. The oldest tome that ever came through our department was published in 1646 - slap bang in the middle of the Civil Wars. It was a book on cider making which just goes to show that we English still had our priorities right in spite of all the political turbulence and death at the time.

[@lorraineyoung102]

That's fascinating and when you think of it an Army marches on its stomach (or so they say!) and in those days I imagine fermented and brewed beverages were a staple with the added advantage of a feel good side effect to boot. Our love of the golden nectar goes back a long way! 😁

[@sueharrison8193]

@lorraine young We had "puddle ale" in England in the 1640s. Very weak without hops ( which were impossible to get). It had little alcoholic value but was much safer than drinking water, thus became a staple.

[@lorraineyoung102]

@@sueharrison8193 Now you mention it I vaguely remember watching a documentary some time ago where they demonstrated making that. Did they use grain instead?

[@sueharrison8193]

@@lorraineyoung102 yes water, grain and yeast. It became beer when hops were added

[@pipart884]

We still have his head with the spike still in it . Look it up there’s photos of it .

[@Yewchoobarkontz]

There is a movie yes. From 1970 and simply called Cromwell. It stars top actors Richard Harris as old "warts and all" Ollie and Alec Guinness as Charlie One. Recommended. It's pretty accurate.

[@ken-u3n]

It's on TCM today at 3.35pm in UK 👍

[@johnp8131]

Really? I would take a look at the 'Cromwell Museum" channel to clarrify. Not as bad as history acording to Mel Gibson, but there are certainly embelishments and omissions there.

[@transponderful]

My old man took me to the Cinema to see Cromwell in 1972, Even as a kid i knew it was epic, great film, yeah watch this.

[@williamlarge69]

Great flim richard harris and alec guiness are both awesome in it

[@LordJuzzie]

Its actually not that accurate. The main thrust of the film is true, but much of the details are bullshit. Its infamously inaccurate.

[@angelaauger169]

That's right ladies, we didn't have a monarch and were a republic from 1649 to 1653. Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector from 1653 to 1658. Charles II became king in 1660. Cromwell was disinterred in 1661, hung and beheaded. This is probably one of the busiest and bloodiest periods in British history. Loved your reaction to this❤️

[@col4574]

There were no republics then,no one had the idea yet

[@angelaauger169]

@@col4574 well I think we can both agree we weren't a monarchy for four years. And as for the term 'republic' - yes, it hadn't been 'invented' yet, but to all intents & purposes we were a proto republic.

[@skipper409]

Sure there were republics….Rome had one 1600 years earlier

[@col4574]

@@skipper409 And a Senate.......but who was President? Loudus Trumpus?

[@angelaauger169]

@@skipper409 yep, totally my bad, they did have a republic back then. Thank you for the history nudge👍

[@kevinchadwick9644]

Great video ladies, I did a history paper on Cromwell and the Civil War in England, and got a scholarship award to go to a private school which was a dream of mine and now pursuing to become a history teacher, history is so amazing, keep up the great work love your videos from New Zealand

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

That's amazing Kevin!! 👏🏻

[@kaikito7662]

Kevin, the civil war was fought in, and fought between: the English; the Irish; the Welsh and the Scots - the Scots provided the Parliamentarian forces with 10k cavalry as well as thousands of troops , ships, arms, food and money.

[@kevingray3550]

Well done Kevin but just one small point that may be of help to you. Here in England we refer to the period as the Civil WarS - plural. It's a matter of historical perspective there were two wars in England and wars in Scotland and Ireland.

[@kevinchadwick9644]

@@kevingray3550 thanks for the feedback I was always fascinated about the UK and Ireland, and thanks again for pointing that out that's very interesting.

[@irenemay4050]

Hahahaha oh the irony that an essay on Cromwell got you a scholarship to a school of privilege. I don’t mind that you got a scholarship I’m very pleased for you. It’s just the irony. Btw my daughter got a scholarship to go to a private school. So definitely fine with that. 😂

[@THX-to6gg]

You should watch the film “Cromwell” made in 1970 with Richard Harris as Cromwell and Alec Guinness as Charles I. It’s very well acted it changes some historical facts but gives you a good idea of what the conflict was about.

[@lloydcollins6337]

Second this, very good movie with Alec Guinness - here's the scene with the King invading Parliament before the wars start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHfOfKCVaauCfKc

[@ianreid]

Brilliant movie

[@claratrevlyn5304]

On the movie "Cromwell", the late great American film critic Roger Ebert had this to say: "The British are so very competent at getting everyone up in period costume and riding them around on horses that sometimes, as with "Cromwell," they figure that's enough. It isn't anymore. The better historical films of recent years -- "A Man for All Seasons," "The Lion in Winter," "Patton" -- have worked themselves away from costumes and into the minds of their heroes." I agree with him. The movie depicts an edited version of events - it omits, for example, the Battle of Marston Moor, in which Cromwell's new army first proved itself - but makes no effort to explore the complexities of the characters involved. With two great actors, Alec Guinness and Richard Harris, in the lead roles, this feels like a really wasted opportunity. Read Ebert's full review here: www.rogerebert.com/reviews/cromwell-1971

[@THX-to6gg]

@@claratrevlyn5304 you’re quite right there are quite a lot of historical inaccuracies in the film and the Civil War is presented of consisting of two battles. Films have their limitations but some of the scenes are accurate and at least it gives the viewer a basic insight into the conflict.

[@stephensmith4480]

What a good movie, I think Stratford Johns of Z Cars fame was also in it. Now that would make a good Xmas movie on Tv 😜

[@angefitzpatrick]

In a macabre twist, Cromwell’s head had quite the post-mortem adventure, including possibly being used in an early football match. It is now safely here in Cambridge, buried in 1960 at a secret location in Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge, his Alma Mater. Only the Masters of the College and Deans of the Chapel are entrusted with its location. Additionally, a portrait of Cromwell hangs in the College Hall, by custom, it’s covered with a curtain whenever members of the Royal Family visit.

[@ebantink4843]

I love the way you both become so engrossed and especially your shocked faces !

[@KatKittykatty]

Thanks

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@tersse]

Scottish here, love your vids, shared this one, learned some things i didnt get in school about Cromwell, and didnt hear in 62 years, who would have guiest Americans could teach a Scot about British history :), all the best fae bonny scotland.

[@tomarmstrong5244]

There have been several civil wars in English history, but the two best known ones are Cromwell's Civil War and the Wars of the Roses. Charles went to Scotland because he was King of Scotland as well as England,, seperately. Cromwell followed the laws of war as they were at the time, when in Ireland. He asked these cities to surrender. They knew the consequences if they refused, which they did. These consequences meant letting the soldiery sack the town, killing as they went. The Irish catholics had done exactly the same thing before themselves to Irish and English protestants.

[@janelockwood347]

We were a bloodthirsty lot!! Our history is nothing if not eventful!! Thankyou for learning of our past! It’s fascinating watching you two so shocked at our antics!! Keep it up ! Xx Happy Thanksgiving! Xx

[@Melch4]

Hey ladies that was fantastic. Do more of these history reactions , this was great

[@katydaniels508]

It’s really great to relearn the detail of this. It’s a familiar history lesson from school but I had forgotten a lot of it 😁

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@neilgayleard3842]

No monarchy for 12 years. The film Cromwell is epic.

[@kevinchadwick9644]

Thanks!

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Very kind of you Kevin! Thank you ❤️ 😊

[@honestyandtruth6847]

Chares I was imprisoned at Holdenby House in Northamptonshire for a short period of time and it is very near Althorp House where Princess Diana is buried. I am so pleased that you two wonderful ladies appreciate our history; your enthusiasm is much appreciated. Perhaps you may wish to look at the Peasant's Revolt involving Richard ii - years later it did not end well for Richard ii but I won't spoil the story for you.

[@neilmccarthy5102]

I find it a very interesting period in our history 🇬🇧 he didn’t mention the New Model Army which Cromwell was instrumental in creating… where generals, etc were from any walk of life but became generals on their ability NOT birth. Also, the civil war spawned many movements, some way ahead of the time…. You should check out the levellers!

[@paulhadfield7909]

great bands also

[@MrBulky992]

Am I wrong in thinking that commissions were being bought right into the 20th century? Hence, many high ranking officers owed their positions to their financial ability to enter the officer class rather than any merits of character and intellect they might possess? I tgink that class had everything to do with how high you were likely to rise in the forces until relatively recent times. Cromwell was not the champion of the working man as you suggest. He opposed the idea of any but the higher levels of society having any say in elections and opposed the Levellers and any idea of universal suffrage.

[@grahamsmith2753]

There is the 1970 film: Cromwell. It stars Richard Harris. Its accuracy is a matter of opinion, as are all films and TV series that are based on fact.

[@jonbrookes9434]

The movie stars Richard Harris and Alec Guinness, I think it's called Cromwell. As fir English civil wars, we've had a lot, but they get called other things - Norman Conquest, Harrowing of the North, Barons Revolt, The Anarchy Of Steven & Mathilda, Rebellion of Henry The Younger, De Montfort's Rebellion, Bollingbrook Rebellion, Wars of The Roses, are to name a few

[@adventussaxonum448]

I wouldn't call the Norman Conquest a Civil War. They were foreign invaders.

[@jonbrookes9434]

@@adventussaxonum448 was sort of lumping the revolts of hostage Earls and nobles, resistance of some towns and middle nobles, and the Norman baron unrest back in Normandy that Billy was juggling as a kind of Civil War/Unrest period. granted it wasn't as much as Henry and Rufus had to deal with.

[@adventussaxonum448]

@@jonbrookes9434 Still think of Bill the Bastard's actions as firstly invading a foreign country, and secondly suppressing revolts by its people. His successors certainly had civil wars.

[@joannetyndall3625]

I love history.We did this in school but I'm being reminded with you girls,thankyou xx

[@chrisdavies9821]

The village I'm from (Bidford on Avon) still hasn't forgiven Charles 1st for destroying our bridge over the river Avon. He destroyed it to cover his retreat even though it was not wide enough enough to get guns and carts cross. Local legend that I can't confirm is that he left Stratford on Avon (7 miles up stream) bridge alone because they were supporting him. So destroyed the small bridges and left the massive bridge you could bring an army across - which is exactly what happened

[@chrisdavies9821]

Can't confirm about the Stratford bridge since the English Civil War isn't something I know about in any great detail and so only know local legend

[@malcolmhouston7932]

Still have grudges eh?

[@orwellboy1958]

Never mind your little bridge, what about all the castles he destroyed?

[@jamiewulfyr4607]

In the town of Sherborne in Dorset we're still salty about Cromwell's forces turning our castle into a ruin.

[@chrisdavies9821]

@@orwellboy1958 Castles are military installations so of course he was going to destroy them! Our bridge wasn't harming anyone

[@rowietappy187]

Hi Natasha and Debbie....fun fact. The last battle of the English civil war was in 1665 in Maryland USA. it was called the battle of Severn, just outside Annapolis....I gather English royalists went into battle against colonial Puritans one hundred years before your war of independence when they were both still English subjects. It’s absolutely fascinating and hardly anyone knows about it on either side of the pond......Thanks for the video, much enjoyed 🤗

[@rowietappy187]

@@vtbn53 I also looked it up...I thought it was a myth, but according to Wiki it’s absolutely true....Hidden History is far more interesting than the popular recorded history we are taught.....also makes for a great pub team quiz 😂

[@scipioafricanus5871]

Wikpedia: #English_overseas_possessions_in_the_Wars_of_the_Three_Kingdoms

[@MrBulky992]

It's probably worth making the point that when the video talks about "Parliament", it's referring to the Parliament of England only. Scotland still had its own parliament and would continue to do so until 1707. For a short period in the 1650s, Cromwell created a "Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland" with a single parliament but it was a patchy and shortlived affair pre-dating the eventual unions of 1707 (with Scotland, creating the unitary realm of Great Britain) and 1801 (with Ireland, creating the United Kingdom).

[@GaryLorenz-t7c]

@MrBulky992, you forgot to mention in your comment of both Wales & Northern Ireland as well too being part of this Commonwealth along with all of England, Scotland & Ireland being part of Great Britain of course.

[@MrBulky992]

​​​@@GaryLorenz-t7cI didn't forget about Wales: it had been part of the Kingdom of England since the reign of Henry VIII and was represented in the *English* Parliament. Cromwell's Commonwealth specifically included and mentioned Ireland. There was no "Northern Ireland" as an entity until 1922 when the Irish Free State became a dominion and separated itself off from the UK. The current name of the UK - the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" - was not introduced until 1927. Finally, Ireland has never been part of Great Britain.

[@GaryLorenz-t7c]

@@MrBulky992 Thank You Very Much & Cheers for your reply back to me & geographically is that I didn't know that Wales was part of England before in the very (1st First) place at all & yes, I suspected that Ireland hasn't being part of Britain at all which is my mistake of course.

[@lorraineyoung102]

It's great learning about our history alongside you!🥰 I loved history at school but at that time it seemed that only the aristocracy and super clever people went to University and it didn't ever occur to me that I might consider studying it at a higher level than secondary school and maybe pursuing a career connected to it As you rightly point out there is so much to learn about and I realise now that the national curriculum can only cover a minimal amount for the masses. I'm so pleased the education system offers so much more in the way of opportunity today! And the magic of the internet enables us to connect to people like yourselves who looking from the outside in with fresh eyes rekindle an interest in our heritage that otherwise we may not take the time to ponder upon.

[@Zooumberg]

Apparently, Charles had a letter just before he had his head lobbed off. He said, "put it in the basket and I'll read it later."

[@marpop99]

Love your interest in British History. As I Brit I am learning loads from you :)

[@clarelawton4653]

Hope your thanksgiving tomorrow with friends and family is as special as possible with precious thoughts and memories of Jazz and Tyson ❤️💙 love and strength from England 💕

[@doozerakapuckfutin]

Another outstanding vlog well done 👍 . Much love to you both

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Thank you Dozer!! ❤️

[@transponderful]

Enjoyed that, thanks Ladies This part of British history still resonates with us today and rumbles down through the ages.

[@gallowglass2630]

There is a good film from the 70s ,but the greatest irony is that the actor who played cromwell was an irishman Richard Harris from limerick city which was besieged by cromwells forces.

[@alanthomas4442]

Natasha! Try ' To Kill A King' Tim Roth and Dougrey Scott. Brilliant film. It will tell you everything you need to know.😊😊

[@francisfirth1156]

Love you two, watching you before I start work here in Lincoln UK

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Aww thank you 😊

[@nita952]

Bloody fantastic video. I knew most of this but I learned quite a few new things. Well done ladies 👍

[@stevebagnall1553]

In my early twenties, I actually took part in civil war battle re enactments in England particularly this period of history. I was royalist pikemen, a very enjoyable hobby. We took part in the battle scenes for the mentioned film, Cromwell filmed on the channel islands. Met Richard Harris the actor who played Cromwell, he was a top guy, who often joined us in our camp to get a better back ground on the period. He was a top guy and knew more ghost stories than anyone I have ever met, gathered from around the world.

[@johnp8131]

Interesting Steve, my Sisters ex in-laws were employed by Lord Salisbury and were living in one of the gate lodges at Hatfield House back then. I was invited up to watch some of it being made. From a distance of course, but very exciting for a ten year old.

[@raymondberry9482]

I love how you’re so clearly into our history. Nice to see 😊

[@skipper409]

I also recommend the movie “Cromwell” - very dynamic, well acted and a good précis of the events.

[@johnp8131]

Pretty accurate. Trouble is, many believe the film to be 'Gospel'?

[@skipper409]

John P - Godspell is an entirely different film 😂 (I know that’s not what you said, but I couldn’t resist)

[@johnp8131]

@@skipper409 Very drole and I know what you mean. I got dragged off to see it in the west end as a music student in the seventies. Personally....................................I hated it.

[@JJ-of1ir]

Ladies, you say it was a different time then, but only our vigilance keeps us from making the same mistakes again. People and their ambitions, after all, do not change! Thank you for keeping our eyes on our history books. Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow.

[@tonys1636]

It is hoped that we do learn from history and not repeat the same errors. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but we must never go too far in the opposite direction.

[@kevenbassett7323]

and remember who was voting when they had those 'elections', because it was NOT "the general populace" ...

[@lucylewis9437]

Another amazing video by you w lovely ladies. I learnt a lot about Oliver Cromwell.

[@paulharvey9149]

Thank-you so much for sharing this video! I don't think I've ever heard so much about the rise of Oliver Cromwell before, as most of our general history books simply gloss over the period of what is usually known as "The Interregnum," which of course means the (temporary) period in which there was no king, but Oliver and then briefly, Richard Cromwell standing-in as Lord Protector instead! I was certainly unaware that any kind of coronation ceremony had taken place, although when you consider he had assumed all the king's responsibilities, these did include Supreme Governor of the Church of England and so he must have been able to influence it with his Puritan beliefs during his period of office. Again, such details are generally glossed over in any of the British history books I've come across! There are some very interesting undercurrents running through the first part of the film too, relating to Charles I and the Dukes of Buckingham in its second (1623) creation; though to properly understand this, it may be necessary to visit the rather interesting character who was King James VI and I. As unveiled by his great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II, a plaque on the floor of the Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling, which is just outside of the secure castle within whose royal apartments James was raised by his maternal grandmother, Mary de Guise and a succession of other Regents (some of whom were also his uncles or other royal relatives) during his minority: identifies the spot in which the year old prince - who was the only legitimate child of the now-forcibly abdicated Mary, Queen of Scots and her second husband, Lord Darnley - was crowned King of Scots on 25th July 1567. Although his mother, the first five King James's and all of the Kings of Scotland before them had practiced Roman Catholicism, there had been a Protestant Reformation of the national Church of Scotland eight years previously and, against the wishes of both his mother and grandmother, it was decided that the infant king should also be raised in the Protestant faith. It is also worthy of note that among the contemporary events of the Reformation had been the short reign of Mary I in England, who unlike her father Henry VIII, who had founded the Anglo-Catholic but still Protestant, Church of England and appointed himself and all his successors as its Supreme Governor; Mary had practiced the Catholic faith throughout her life and had thousands of its opponents executed or imprisoned and tortured as heretics, when they refused to swear allegiance to it and renounce their Anglican faith. Hence the last thing England wanted was another Catholic king or queen on the throne - yet after Mary's half-sister Elizabeth had inherited the English throne (she was Protestant and so the people Mary had imprisoned were released and pardoned) and it was clear she would remain unmarried and childless it was James himself who would succeed her in 1603 and thus unite the Kingdoms of Scotland and England in his Person (even though they remained politically separate until 1707). Elizabeth and the English Government were only too well aware of the legitimacy of the claim of the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots, which is why they forced her abdication and kept her under house arrest for the rest of her life - which left only her Protestant son, now King James VI of Scotland, as her rightful heir. By the standards of the kings of the day, James had an absolutely outstanding education and was by a very long way, the most educated king that ever was - at least until King Charles III, in the present day! As well as famously being the Authority by which the Holy Bible was at long last allowed to be translated into the English language; he had himself written books on several subjects - by far the most controversial being "The True Law of Free Monarchies," (1598), in which he outlines his belief in the Divine Rights of Kings - a belief which he also instilled in all of his children. Hence when we consider Charles I, we must also consider him in that context - although as we have seen, he was nothing like as educated as his father had been - rather relying solely upon what he considered to be his Divine Rights to justify those numerous and ultimately unwise decisions... The other sub-plot was of course the nature of King James's relationship with George Villiers, upon whom he eventually conferred the Dukedom of Buckingham - whose son and heir would eventually become the "favourite" of the 5-member 'Cabal Ministry' that formed the advisory council to King Charles...

[@DruncanUK]

Cromwell can still be seen, several plaster copies of his deathmask are still on display in various museums. In fact the story of Cromwell's head after being decapitated is almost as interesting as his life. (almost!)

[@robertwilloughby8050]

It is funny to think that two quiet, shy men - Cromwell and Charles the First - had such an influence on history. The really sad thing was that Cromwell and the King sort of liked each other, but after the Second Civil War poor Cromwell had no choice but to either execute the King or exile him. And he chose execution.

[@ronwelford6896]

I have to thank you two ladies I have basic knowledge of what happened but this gave so much more thank you

[@lynnejamieson2063]

Side note, there is a Manor House in the West Midlands in the county of Shropshire and it’s called Boscobel House. It is one of the places where the future Charles II took shelter during his escape from England. Whilst there, Parliamentarian troops turned up in search of the future King and he had to hide. His hiding place was inside the hollow of an oak tree, the Parliamentarians passed by and never saw him. That tree became known as The Royal Oak (which gave its name to many pubs) it was picked apart by souvenir hunters over the subsequent years but an acorn from the original tree was planted and the tree that came from it is known as The Son of Royal Oak and that was still standing when I visited Boscobel House around a decade ago…though it had been damaged by a lightening strike. Just one of many places worth visiting in beautiful Shropshire and there is much more to Boscobel House than what I’ve mentioned here.

[@michaelphillips1966]

Is Boscobel house and Royal Oak in Staffordshire not Salop ?

[@lynnejamieson2063]

@@michaelphillips1966 it’s not far from Telford and English Heritage have the address as Shropshire but it is very close to the border I think.

[@robertallmark248]

Have a great thanks giving .Don't forget England play USA on Friday. Love and peace from Wolverhampton England

[@sandrabeaumont9161]

One thing Cromwell is remembered for is The New Model Army, the forerunner of our present army. They were also called 'Roundheads' because of the shape of their helmets. Also at this time were the Witch Hunts. And the self appointed 'Witch Finder General'. Look up Mathew Hopkins. There is also a 'Hammer Horror' film of the same name. Vincent Price portrayed him.

[@johncunliffe1581]

I know this is long after the original video, but I am so pleased you shoud it. I don't know if you will see this but

[@danielferguson3784]

Charles second was king from his father's death in 1649 ,& crowned in Scotland 1650, but fled abroad soon after being defeated in a battle, until being restored in 1660. He took revenge on very few, and digging up Cromwell from inside Westminster Abbey was to be expected.

[@MrBulky992]

It depends what you mean by "a few" as Charles took revenge on around 100 people. There were 104 names on the list of regicides. I have been through the entire list and only about 3 or 4 were pardoned. 24 had already died by 1660. At least 13 were tracked down and executed. 19 were condemned to life imprisonment and served their sentences. Some others died of disease or old age whilst in captivity before they could be tried. The rest fled into exile in the colonies (under assumed names, in some cases), the Netherlands or elsewhere. There was no let-up: the punishment was severe for anyone directly connected with the death of King Charles I.

[@garylucasgstar6628]

This was a Fantastic reaction Ladies!

[@ianjackson1674]

If you want the in-depth version, read "Cromwell, our chief of men" by Antonia Fraser.

[@paulwalsh9680]

Enjoyed this reaction. One way of looking at things though is that this is as much YOUR history as ours, coming as it did around 100 years before Independence :)

[@theresashadwell9060]

Morning ladies Happy Thanksgiving...this has been a joy to watch I love history too English specifically too as I'm half English please do more history please and please don't apologize for stopping video to discuss it that is how we learn more about it 🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧📖

[@judithhope8970]

Simon is brilliant! He's done so many really good videos.

[@EricIrl]

Apart from the facts he gets wrong.

[@carlchapman4053]

This is so well known in England that the Monty Python group even made a song about it "Oliver Cromwell 'born in 1599 and died in 1658' SEPTEMBER!..." I recommend that you look up the song is is one of their best.

[@dominique8233]

Not too long enjoyed the learning with you.

[@patcottlr5250]

That was dynamic! I didn't study this period at school, just did my own reading. Simon is awesome. Thank you, I love learning with you two. Happy Thanksgiving ❤️

[@lindablackley4916]

Best History Lesson very informative .CAN'T WAIT FOR FRIDAY

[@Alan_Clark]

There are two other major civil wars: the wars of the Roses in the 15th century, and the Anarchy of the 12th century, between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda. Matilda's story is fascinating and worth a reaction video of her own, she was almost the first reigning queen of England.There were several other minor wars.

[@vaudevillian7]

They tend not to be classed as ‘official’ civil wars because they were dynastic struggles, there’s also the Peasant’s Revolt, the Baron’s Wars and the Monmouth Rebellion Absolutely second the suggestion on Matilda

[@andrewmstancombe1401]

You have forgotten the Glorious Revolution of 1688 when William and Mary who were Protestants were asked to come and fight against James 2nd another Catholic trying to turn the country back to Catholism. Mary was related to the Stewarts and that was why the English asked her to become Queen, but she wouldn't Accept the throne with out her Husband. William of Orange. They were joint monarch. They died Childless and so they then asked George of Hanover now Germany and that's why the English Monarchy is actually German and why they changed their Name from Saxe Coburg Gote during WW1 to Windsor.

[@AV-fo5de]

I recommend the Brother Cadfael series of books for good background for King Stephen and the Empress Matilda background. There is a TV series starring Derek Jacobi. Neither of these wars really involved Scotland.

[@carolineb3527]

There's also the Glorious Revolution, which got rid of James II and installed his daughter Mary II as Queen, to rule jointly with her husband, William of Orange (William III). However, while both sides raised armies, little blood was shed, hence the word "Glorious". Probably more than a coup than a civil war but it deserves a mention.

[@clivebates2187]

Hi ladies, thank you for your video. I am a Brit and I knew most of this but I picked up a few new snippets of information that I didn't know before! Here are a couple of things that you might be interested in: 1) The Civil War was fought between the 'Roundheads' (Cromwell's men) and the 'Cavaliers' (the King's men). The Roundheads were very well trained, but completely brutal and ruthless. 2) After Charles II became King, one of the first things he did was to start legal proceedings against Cromwell and four of his closest men (Thomas Scott, Gregory Clements, Colonel Adrian Scrope and Colonel John Jones) for 'High Treason'. This was regarded as no 'ordinary' treason...HIGH TREASON was treason against the King himself. Charles II stated that having killed his father, Charles I, the men were guilty of high Treason. In those days, if someone was found guilty they would normally be 'Hung, Drawn and Quartered'... (I will leave it to you to Google this gruesome method of execution).This is why Cromwell's body was treated the way it was. It also explains why eight of the plotters from the 'Gunpowder Plot' met a similar fate...It's GRUESOME, I know, but I thought it might explain a little more for you. Thanks once again for your videos. It is so interesting and educational for me to see how people from other countries view our history.

[@sheilaleslie1323]

“Killers of the King” by Charles Spencer is a really well written account . I live in Northampton famous for shoes. We’re still waiting for payment for all the boots Cromwell ordered!

[@transmission3143]

I would also recommend Cromwell: Our Chief of Men by Lady Antonia Fraser. It's quite a hefty volume but Lady Antonia's writing style is a delight although I feel she's a tad too sympathetic. It does give you a real window into his mindset, the vibe I got was he had big conscience issues about whether what he was doing was God's will, but was also scarily good at doing it anyway and convincing himself it must have been else God wouldn't have let him get away with it (read: mistook his opinions for facts).

[@staticcentrehalf7166]

I couldn't stand this guy initially, but he's growing on me. This was really good.

[@Penddraig7]

Also fun fact, the Cromwell name was actually adopted, used for status. Oliver was actually a Williams but his great great grandfather Morgan ap William, a Welshman (ap William being the welsh patronymic naming system became Williams when anglicised) So Morgan’s anglicised name was Morgan Williams and he married Thomas Cromwell’s sister Katherine, so even though they were officially Williams’ the Cromwell name had the status so they used the Cromwell surname even though officially it’s Williams

[@tommyxbones5126]

Another fun fact is that Oliver Cromwell created all the conditions for Reggae to be invented in Jamaica over 300 years later - he really was a funky dictator!

[@terenceballands3321]

Simon is fantastic and would make a brilliant teacher!

[@lloydcollins6337]

They did indeed dig up Cromwell, try his body, find him guilty, and hang him as a traitor. The King, as part of the negotiations to let him back into the country, also agreed to "limit" his wrath to only those parliamentarians that signed his death warrant, and even then he didn't execute all of them. Charles II was known as the "merry monarch" because of the debauchery of his court, but he had to be very politically shrewd, knowing how thin the tightrope was that he was walking to keep from him losing his head like his father had, so he didn't make any radical decisions, pushed for religious toleration (or at least supported it in public) of all Christian sects, and let Parliament rule for a long time, but the further he went into his reign the more he got like his father, dissolving parliament a few times, ruling alone for a while, negotiating in secret with the French for money which Parliament wouldn't give him, and converting to Catholicism on his deathbed. James II was Charles's brother and took over from him, and cocked it all up basically. He was not politically astute, having already converted to Catholicism, marrying a Catholic and having Catholic children, and he insisted on attempting to overturn the old bans against Catholics in public office, setting him against Parliament, who in 1688, convinced the Dutch Prince William of Orange, married to one of James's daughters, to invade with a Dutch army and kick James II out, in what became known as the Glorious Revolution. William and Mary had a much more constitutional rule than James and we've not kicked out a Monarch since, although we've come close a couple of times.

[@Zooumberg]

I wonder if he was tried in absentia. 😂

[@tonys1636]

Nothing much has changed in relation to debauchery then, every generation seems to have a playboy/girl in the family. William and Mary is the only time we had a joint Monarch as they were equal in their powers, not a just a King and Queen Consort. Parliament thought that if the Queen was equal she would be able to exercise some restraint on any excesses or overzealous thinking and actions of the King as both would have to be in agreement and jointly sign into law Acts of Parliament. Very advanced and somewhat strange thinking for the times.

[@AV-fo5de]

The followers of James II were called "The Jacobites" as the Latin for James is "Jacobus". Hius son was known as the Old Pretender, and his grandson the Young Pretender, or "Bonnie Prince Charlie".

[@diogenesagogo]

This guy (John Rogers) makes the most fantastic videos just walking around London. Some of them might be a bit too parochial for you but this one refers to an amazing story about Cromwell, the locations still exist today but you'd never know kzbin.info/www/bejne/joTdiZSDgtx7ptU

[@highpath4776]

neither move was great in relation to Ireland.

[@christopherjohnson3182]

I am a battle reenactor who 'fights' for Parliament. There is so much more to this period; a lot more complicated than this video suggests. And England had several medieval civil wars such as the so-called Wars of the Roses..

[@angeladavies898]

British history is endlessly fascinating because there is so much of it!😀. I only knew the bare bones about the Civil War and Cromwell, but the abiding feeling to me is that although originally Parliament was supposed to keep the monarch in check, I think that these days the monarchy is there to keep Parliament in check! Our monarchs have very little powers these days apart from all laws having to have Royal Assent, better than nothing I would say! 😀

[@paulswainson5167]

Love your posts and enjoying your dip into English / British history. Go girls, loving it :)

[@clarelawton4653]

Cromwell dug a tunnel under the castle in our little town in the 1640s and tried to destroy it with gunpowder (unsuccessfully) wonder where he got that idea lol, what is left now leans at 15 degrees, four times the lean of the tower of Pisa 😳

[@suzannecromwell9697]

Are you talking about Caerphilly Castle?

[@wendywilson858]

I learn so much watching your videos about my own country. 😂 xx

[@quarkwrok]

One of the battles was fought in America, in the English colony of Maryland (Battle of Severn), Cromwell himself was about to emigrate to Connecticut but stayed as civil war broke out (think I got that right). The New England colonies were full of Puritan settlers, often called Pilgrims as the narrator has done but the Pilgrims were specifically Plymouth Colony and just one type of Puritan (thanksgiving, first New England English settlers, but later than Virginia). There was a very large migration from England to New England in the period 1629-1640, mainly from the east of England which was mostly Parliamentarian/Puritan. This coincided with the 11 years of no Parliament, and once the civil war began, there was a back migration of Puritans to fight on the side of Parliament. Unlike New England, Virginia and the Chesapeake was mostly royalist-supporting cavalier country (New England and Virginia/Maryland were the only two areas of English settlement on the east coast of North America at the time). Virginia was settled by a few landed gentry types and lots of ordinary and poor folk from London, the south and south west of England. These areas were very strongly royalist and Anglican, so the northern and southern colonies of the time mirrored the east and west of England in their allegiance. Happy thanksgiving guys. My heart goes out to the victims in Virginia. Stay safe guys.

[@bonnietyler2012]

Hi ladies you have a new friend in the U.K (Bristol) the gateway to the south west love all your episodes

[@V4Dad]

The 1970 movie 'Cromwell' is a good movie to watch starring the likes of (Dumbledore, Obi-wan Kenobi, & James Bond).

[@littleannie390]

The death of 200,000 in the civil wars was huge considering the population of England at that time was only just over 5 million. The only positive thing to come out of all this brief and bloody period of history was that the monarch would never again have absolute power.

[@crowbar9566]

I remember Dumbledore and Obi-Wan, and Blofeldt ( i think), but who was Commander Bond playing?

[@V4Dad]

Timothy Dalton played a Prince

[@crowbar9566]

@@V4Dad Hmmm, barely a Bond.

[@V4Dad]

More so than George Lazenby or David Niven.

[@majorgrumpybum3161]

One of the things I love from this period is that it gave us various sayings such as going on a rant or having a rant as well as telling someone to get off your soap box, it comes from a group known as Ranter's who used travel around giving fiery sermons during this period...there was also a similar group known as Muggles!

[@edwardherron3881]

You could say the American Revolutionary War was the last English Civil war but not fought in England most of those who fought were British or British descent one of the American generals was born a few miles from where I’m living now

[@calumroney7352]

Remember that the more accurate name for the English Civil War is the War of the 3 kingdoms. Remember that the spark that lit the fuse was that famous incident when a stool was thrown by Jennie Geddes at the Kings representitive in St Giles cathedral for trying to force the English prayer book onto the Scots who were fiercely Presbyterian which sparked a riot by the congregation. That act of defiance led to the signing of the national covenant of Scotland which made the Scots alongside the Israelites the only two nations to pledge themselves in this way to God.

[@michelletrudgill4573]

We do have strange ways us British folk. Another great and interesting video girlies. You now need to do a video on the battle of Culloden. Xx

[@anthonycunningham8116]

It's surprising to me that people don't know Britain was, briefly, a Republic. That brief Republic and its legacy is largely the reason we have the constitutional settlement we have now

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Scottish Historian here. So Charles I fled to Scotland after the 1st English Civil War because he was King of Scotland and he was a Scot. James VI of Scotland had become James Ist of England, his son Charles was Duke of Rothesay (the title for the heir to the Throne of Scotland) before he became Prince of Wales.. before his father became King of England as well as Scotland. Charles was born in the Palace at Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. He fled to Scotland because although he had upset his people with his absurd Bishop 's War, taking on a Scotland that had several tens of thousands of heavily armed mercenary veteran Presbyterians who had been fighting for the Protestant King of Sweden, Gustavus Adophus during the 30 years war. When they saw their home was being religiously oppressed these armies returned to Scotland and proceeded to trounce the English amateur levy army. By fleeing to Scotland, Charles thought he could appeal to the loyalty of his people, especially given he was a Stewart King and rhus a direct descended of Robert Bruce, who of course beat the English in the Scottish war of Independence. Civil wars in the British Isles... there have been a LOT of these. Around 24 in all 4 nations. Some were very bloody affairs indeed, notably the Harrorwingof the North by William I in the 1070s, the war Henry VIII unleased on the Catholic North of England, the Scottish Civil War in the early 1300s which saw Bruce come to power, the Wars if the Roses. Various very serious 'peasant' revolts, several serious usurpations including John, and Richard II. The last Civil war (apart from those in Ireland in the 20th C) was the 1745-1746 Jacobite War, which many mistakenly think was a war between Scotland and England because of Charles Edward's Highland Clansman army. In fact, more Scots and Scottish Regiments as well as Highlanders fought for the Government in that war.

[@andrewcoates6641]

As a side note to this video, I would suggest that you take a look at “The Sealed Knot” society, which is a group of historical recreation enthusiasts who go around the country staging battles and sieges in or nearby the locations where the battles happened in real life. Sometimes they also setup a campaign village and live there for the weekend and they spend their time when not replaying the battle recreating life in the time period or demonstrating their skills to the public or making new replica weapons and other utensils or equipment for sale to the attendees.

[@johnp8131]

I remember talking to some of them when they re-enacted in Huntingdon for Cromwells 400th birthday in 1999. They were telling me that they do other eras too and were already preparing way in advance for 2013 (14 years time). As they were off to the US to take part in the re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg for the 150th Anniversary.

[@sueharrison8193]

I was a member of the Sealed Knot for many years. We recreated battles of the ECW to raise money for various charities throughout the UK. Attendance was voluntary, non-paid. There must be over 5,000 members now, maybe more. There are many videos on you-Tube of the battles. I made lifelong friends who I keep in touch with to this day.

[@robertwilloughby8050]

In 2023 it will be 380 years since Adwalton Moor, so I might be going to see that! (I don't live too far from there).

[@andrewobrien6671]

Always enjoy this guys vids, he is so knowledgable and puts it across so well

[@lynjones2461]

Hi ladies there is a film made in 1970 called Cromwell it is historically accurate as much as films of three hours long can be and stars the wonderful Richard Harris xx

[@johnp8131]

Really, where did you get the idea it was accurate? I would take a look at the 'Cromwell Museum" KZbin channel to clarrify. Not as bad as history acording to Mel Gibson, but there are certainly embelishments and omissions there.

[@annashear7331]

Great video ladies. Learnt things that did not get told about in history at school

[@theeccentricmilliner5350]

Technically we have had countless civil wars in England - the wars of the Roses were one, as was the rebellion of Stephen, and King John was under some duress when Magna Carta was signed. Some of this stuff was new to me. One reason Cromwell was not entirely popular is that they tried to ban Christmas. Happy Thanksgiving anyway

[@johnp8131]

Really? Not true! At least the last bit. I would take a look at the 'Cromwell Museum" KZbin channel, at least to clarrify the bit about Christmas, which had little or nothing to do with him. It's easy enough to find out? 1647, he was still just a General and ordinary MP. And where was he at the time?

[@joshuwaah7556]

I actually live in the place called Ely Cambridgeshire and he had a house here. Its now a museum you should check it out :) the cathedral here is absolutely stunning as well :) x

[@philipriley2253]

Charles 1st was executed 30 January 1649, Charles 2cnd took the throne 29 May 1660. So just over 11 years... Cromwell was Lord Protector and when he died his son Richard took over for a short period before Charles 2cnd was brought back... There's a statue of Cromwell outside the houses of Parliament.

[@damianmccoy6128]

Thanks for another great video and Happy Thanksgiving! ❤️

[@Ubique2927]

Cromwell is the guy that means the British will never vote to cancel the monarchy.

[@marvintpandroid2213]

Never is one of those words that is impossible to prove. There is a small but growing movement to reform the monarchy, especially after we lost the queen. We don't want them against the wall but we don't want the system we have to be held in aspic.

[@keithrudd8003]

@marvintpandroid2213, is that the royal “we”

[@PD-jk5hd]

@@marvintpandroid2213 totally agree with this, I'm not for abolition but needs to be reform. I wonder if anyone else has considered the cost to the taxpayer if all the roles the royals do were done by a politician in extra to their already paid jobs

[@shortfusedkinda]

@@PD-jk5hd The Crown estate which the king surrenders majority of earnings to the government exceeds what the royals take out

[@marvintpandroid2213]

@@shortfusedkinda the crown estate belongs to the population of the UK.

[@TheHiddenHistoryChannel]

The movie is called ‘Cromwell’. Stars Richard Harris as Cromwell and Alec Guinness as Charles I.

[@timnewman7591]

We;ve had plenty of civil wars. The Baron's Wars, the Wars of the Roses, the British Civil Wars, and rather too many others to list in the medieval period. The Civil War is the 16th century one, but the others are just as much civil conflicts.

[@jamieeadle7223]

17th century, 1600s is the 17th century.

[@timnewman7591]

@@jamieeadle7223 Quite right. I don't know what my brain was thinking there.

[@michaelmoule9727]

I'm English and I learnt a lot from this.

[@austinwiththehat]

It’s hard to word this without sounding a bit like a git. Religion has been a major cause of most of our historical woes, from the Protestant/Catholic friction that constituted a lot of our wars in Europe, to guy Fawkes to the civil wars, to the Ireland atrocities, and Catholic/Muslim with all the Crusades. Also, there is an amazing movie I saw as a kid about Cromwell

[@pcvn214]

If you check religion has only been recorded as the cause of around 5% of wars. It's a myth that it's the major cause of wars

[@austinwiththehat]

@@pcvn214 greed is the number one cause. Religion is the go to justification

[@pcvn214]

@@austinwiththehat the biggest cause of war is expansion

[@austinwiththehat]

@@pcvn214 exactly. Population densities were a microscopic fraction of them currently so expansion from an historical perspective is a case of “I want more land, not “I need more land”. I think the majority of our wars for about 800 years was just to piss off the French lol

[@Aoife24601]

Yes 1970 Richard Harris ...Cromwell Brilliant! I live on Cromwell Road there are Cromwell Roads in most towns...

[@MegaDapperman]

Perhaps our history gives you an idea of the depth and passion of our Patriotism.

[@perryedwards4746]

"Cromwell" Richard Harris, can't believe you haven't seen it.. Great film

[@pabmusic1]

It's important to understand that the events of the 17th century (at least till 1688) are a series of struggles about who actually governs - the King or Parliament. It ended with the 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688 and the principle that Parliament is supreme. The Monarch rules only with the consent of Parliament. It was the case that the Royal Navy was the Monarch's personal navy, financed by the King, but the Army was Parliament's, financed by Parliament through taxes. Nowadays it's all down to Parliament.

[@Ereldor]

Excellent reaction as always, ladies - just wanted to give you some more context about the civil war, and why Cromwell came ot be viewed as tyrant: - The civil war wasn't as clear-cut between the king and parliament as people tend to think. Many towns and villages had indeed grown tired of Charles I's misrule, but many were afraid to go too far from home, as food and pay were not guaranteed in Parliament's army. Coupled with that, the odds of getting killed or painfully wounded/disabled were extraordinarily high (the losses suffered by the country were in equivalent worse than those the UK suffered from WW1), so gangs of clubmen were formed to keep out both Cavaliers (royalists) & Roundheads (parliamentarians). These were the first attempt at local militia for Britain, and they had a tough time trying to stop local gangs attempting to seize property and supplies for either side. This was because, until the civil war, it was not lawful for either the crown or government to confiscate a citizen's food, riches or lands. However, this changed as parliament sought to enable Cromwell to beat the king by any and all means possible. As well as this, seeing that the army was in dire need of reform, Cromwell is famous for inventing the British 'redcoat'. It was joked in the army that the reason they were red was so parliament could save on laundry bills, and in a sense they were right. Cromwell only chose red dye as it was the cheapest he could find. This new body of troops was called 'The New Model Army', and would become famous for beating the king's forces at the Battle of Naseby. After the civil war, the redcoats came to be seen as a symbol of tyranny, and even after Cromwell's death, it became a battle for future monarchs to persuade parliament to let them raise an army, for fear of its being used to seize power. In fact, there were points when the army was abolished altogether, and Charles II had to resort to sending his soldiers abroad to fight for powers such as France to keep them paid and in their units. It was in one of these mercenary forces that a man of a Cavalier fmily would begin his own rise as one of Britain's greatest commanders: John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough and most famous ancestor of Winston Spencer-Churchill. Incidentally, Biographics does an excellent profile of him, under the title of 'England's last Cavalier', if you're interested.

[@kirstie-justbeingme]

Very interesting. Kind of reminds me of the last year with the ‘revolving door’ of prime ministers! Great video again ladies… i’m off back to bed xx

[@kevinpugh3291]

My friend lived near Edge Hill, one of the sites of the battle between the Roundheads and the Caviliers. She was kept up at night as you could still hear the battle - I went myself and confirmed what she was saying - and it was the reenactment society. So the movement for freedom started quite some time ago and the power of the king or queen was severely restricted.

[@margaretnicol3423]

Imagine you're a kid in a British school and you have to learn all the names and dates of the monarchs, wars and important people (like Guy Fawkes!). It took a really good teacher to make it interesting when so much emphasis was put on numbers.

[@margaretnicol3423]

@Nicky L Then you're very lucky. The school I went to was very regimented. For example, if you didn't do your homework you could get the belt across your hands!

[@AV-fo5de]

@@margaretnicol3423 History has always been my subject, and we had an excellent teacher. Being in Scotland, we had much more on our own history, but we did learn about the happenings in England too, especially when they impinged on life in Scotland.

[@kathrynross1613]

Great video love how your so interested in the history x

[@pauljshields123]

Flim Cromwell,,stars Richard Harris..

[@Tarananda-mylo]

Our local church in North Wiltshire has marks of cannon balls in the stones as the Royalist Army were besieged there. We often found musket balls in our garden.