Richard Cromwell: The Brief and Tumultuous Rule of England’s Second Lord Protector

Unlike his father, who rose to prominence as a military commander and political leader, Richard led a relatively quiet life during his early years, receiving an education befitting the gentry but without any notable military experience.

While Oliver Cromwell led the New Model Army to victory and became Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, Richard stayed out of direct military engagement, focusing instead on local governance and administration. He held minor political roles, but there was little indication that he would ever rise to a position of national power.

Died: July 12, 1712

Mother: Elizabeth Bourchier

Father: Oliver Cromwell

Wife: Dorothy Maijor

Children:

Oliver Cromwell

Anne Cromwell

Dorothy Cromwell

Early Life and Background
Richard Cromwell was born on October 4, 1626, to Oliver Cromwell and Elizabeth Bourchier. As the third son in the family, he was not initially expected to take on a significant political or military role.

Unexpected Rise to Power
Richard’s ascension to power was largely unplanned. When Oliver Cromwell died on September 3, 1658, after ruling as Lord Protector for five years, the question of succession arose.

Though the position of Lord Protector was not meant to be hereditary, Oliver had maneuvered to ensure Richard was named as his successor, likely believing he could continue the Cromwellian vision of leadership.

Richard was declared Lord Protector on September 3, 1658, the same day of his father’s passing. However, unlike Oliver, he had neither military experience nor strong support from the army. His rule began smoothly enough, with the upper classes, Parliament, and moderate factions of the Commonwealth initially supporting him. However, he quickly encountered major challenges, particularly from the army, which had been the backbone of his father's power.

Unlike Oliver, who had maintained strict control over the military, Richard struggled to assert authority over the generals and officers who had fought in the Civil War.

A significant moment of crisis came when Richard called the Third Protectorate Parliament in early 1659. His goal was to seek financial support and legitimacy for his rule, but this move only deepened divisions. The army, unhappy with parliamentary control over military affairs, sought to reinstate its own authority. Tensions between Parliament and the military escalated, and Richard found himself caught in the middle.

Anna Cromwell

Abdication and Exile
Under mounting pressure, Richard Cromwell resigned as Lord Protector on May 25, 1659, bringing an end to his brief rule after just eight months.

Elizabeth Cromwell

Mary Cromwell

Successor: King Charles II

Predecessor: Oliver Cromwell Lord Protector

His marriage to Dorothy Maijor, the daughter of a wealthy Hampshire landowner, secured him financial stability, but he remained largely uninvolved in the conflicts of the English Civil War.

Many of Oliver Cromwell’s former allies doubted Richard’s leadership abilities. While his father had commanded fierce loyalty and fear, Richard lacked both qualities. His attempts to secure control through civilian government rather than military rule clashed with the expectations of the powerful army officers who had played a key role in establishing the Protectorate. With no military background to command their respect, his position became increasingly vulnerable.

By April 1659, the army, led by senior officers like John Lambert, pressured Richard to dissolve Parliament. Lacking the political acumen and forceful personality of his father, Richard reluctantly complied. With military leaders effectively controlling the government, Richard’s position became increasingly untenable. His reliance on Parliament for legitimacy had backfired, and without the support of the army, his rule collapsed.

Despite his political shortcomings, Richard Cromwell remains an intriguing historical figure. His rule serves as a case study in the difficulties of maintaining a republic without strong leadership. While Oliver Cromwell had managed to impose his will through sheer force and strategic brilliance, Richard’s attempt at civilian governance was swiftly undone by the very military that had secured his father’s power.

Though largely forgotten compared to the major figures of his era, Richard Cromwell’s brief tenure as Lord Protector marked the final chapter of England’s Commonwealth experiment. His quiet withdrawal from politics and remarkably long life make him an unusual and often overlooked character in British history. While Oliver Cromwell’s name is synonymous with radical political change and military prowess, Richard’s legacy is one of unfulfilled potential and the fleeting nature of power. His reign serves as a reminder that leadership requires more than just inheritance—it demands strength, vision, and the ability to command loyalty, traits he simply did not possess.

Unlike Oliver Cromwell, who had used both political cunning and military strength to secure his authority, Richard appeared weak and indecisive. The army, which had once been the source of Cromwellian power, now turned against him. Facing internal discord and growing instability, Richard had no choice but to step down.

Announcment of Oliver Cromwells Death and Richard Cromwell becoming Lord Protector

Challenges and Opposition
Richard Cromwell faced immense pressure from multiple factions. His attempts to govern as a civilian leader, emphasizing parliamentary authority over military influence, alienated the army

With his departure, England was left in political turmoil, leading to the reinstatement of the Rump Parliament and eventual collapse of the Commonwealth. By 1660, the monarchy was restored under Charles II, officially ending the republican experiment started by his father.

Fearing retribution following the Restoration, Richard went into self-imposed exile in France and later traveled across Europe, spending years living in anonymity. Unlike many of his father’s allies, he was never executed or severely persecuted, as he had played a largely passive role in governing. His lack of direct involvement in military or political oppression meant that he was not seen as a major threat to the restored monarchy.

He eventually returned to England around 1680, living under the assumed name "John Clarke" to avoid attention. He resided quietly in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, where he lived to the remarkable age of 85, passing away on July 12, 1712. His long life, in stark contrast to the dramatic events of his short rule, allowed him to witness the evolution of England’s political landscape long after his fall from power.

Legacy and Historical Perspective
Richard Cromwell’s rule is often remembered as one of the shortest and least effective in English history.

Compared to his father, he lacked both the charisma and the military authority needed to maintain control over a fractured Commonwealth. His failure to reconcile the interests of Parliament and the army hastened the collapse of the Protectorate and paved the way for the return of the monarchy.