Cromwellian Conversations 3: Who was Oliver Cromwell?

Our curator Stuart Orme attempts in 15 minutes (it took him 20, but then it was unscripted!) to give an overview of the life of Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), one of the most significant and controversial figures in British History.

[@jasoncornell1579]

It should be remembered that by the standards of his time he was merciful he clearly stated only those found in arms shall be killed at the same time in Italy towns twice the size of drogherda were being sacked and utterly destroyed

[@peweto6503]

We need more vídeos. Please

[@paulgowland1610]

Loved the pic of Oliver and Charles fighting. It was taken from the ladybird book Oliver Cromwell. The book also includes the monkey story. Nevertheless when I bought the book in the 1960's little did I realise it would be the start of a life long interest in Oliver. I even named my son after him, poor lad!

[@michaelswann9227]

In all of English history there is no one I am more ambivalent about. I love him and loathe him in equal measure.

[@rebeccawarren6972]

Nicely done Stuart!

[@dennisroyhall121]

Excellent appraisal indeed of the GM! I note the mention of his military presence as being of reasonably important significance in England of only two of the Civil War battles viz Gainsborough and Naseby and fair enough for want of space but of the decisive battles did he draw so little attention at Marston Moor? Another later point interest of which some things have been said but not a lot is of the life of Richard after his willing abdication ( and settlement of payment of his not inconsiderable amount of personal debts by the new regime). It seems he spent most of his post Protectorate life on the Continent, mainly in France, under other names eg Clark being one, but fathered some nine offspring nevertheless meaning he managed to find the means to fund his journeys which must have meant the buying or hiring of many horses, knowing many people he could trust, and living the sort of healthy life until the quite advanced age of his mid eighties, which was an achievement for the time. Worth some study too I would venture to advance is the fact that his life period afforded him to observe all the violent changes of rebellion and regime changes after his own viz Sedgemoor, and the execution of Monmouth, James II and the accession of William IV and James II’s daughters Mary and Anne, and the ever threatening restorations but never achieved of James II and his son « the Old Pretender »…What a pity so little of Tumbledown Dick or Richard The Lord Protector II, and glad to be relieved of his duties in fewer months than Edward VIII!

[@johnc4774]

Really enjoyed that and found it helpful. I would like to hear about his supposed educational reforms, or is that another Victorian myth?

[@CromwellMuseum]

Great suggestion! We'll pick that up in a future video.