Cromwell,
Oliver 1599-1658; Eng. revolutionary leader & head (Lord Protector) of the Commonwealth (1653-58)
Cromwell,
Richard 1626-1712; Lord Protector of the Commonwealth (1658-59): son of Oliver
Cromwell,
Thomas Earl of Essex 1485?-1540; Eng. statesman
See Cromwell in American Heritage Dictionary 4
English military, political, and religious figure who led the Parliamentarian victory in the English Civil War (1642-1649) and called for the execution of Charles I. As lord protector of England (1653-1658) he ruled as a virtual dictator. His son Richard (1626-1712) succeeded him briefly as lord protector (1658-1659) before the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II.
Related Forms:
Crom·wellˈi·an adjective
, Thomas. Earl of Essex. 1485?-1540.
English politician who proposed the legislation that established the monarch as head of the established church (1534).