Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell (April 25, 1599 – September 3, 1658) was an English military leader and politician. After leading the overthrow of the British monarchy, he ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland as Lord Protector from December 16, 1653 until his death, which is believed to have been due either to malaria or poisoning.

Related Topics:
April 25 - 1599 - September 3 - 1658 - English - British monarchy - Scotland - Ireland - Lord Protector - December 16 - 1653 - Malaria

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He was born in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. He matriculated at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge which was then a recently-founded college with a strong Puritan ethos. However he left without taking a degree, probably due to the death of his father.

Related Topics:
Huntingdon - Cambridgeshire - Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge

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At the outset of the English Civil War, Cromwell began his military career by raising a cavalry troop, known as the Ironsides Cavalry, which became the basis of his New Model Army. Cromwell's leadership in the Battle of Marston Moor (in 1644) brought him to great prominence. As a leader of the Parliamentarian cause, and commander of the New Model Army, (informally known as the Roundheads), he defeated King Charles I, thus bringing to an end the monarchy's claims to absolute power.

Related Topics:
English Civil War - Ironsides Cavalry - New Model Army - Battle of Marston Moor - 1644 - Parliamentarian - Roundheads - Charles I - Monarchy

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In 2003, Cromwell was ranked 10th in a popular BBC poll of "Great Britons."

Related Topics:
2003 - BBC - Great Britons

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