Oliver Cromwell

Read this article to learn about Cromwell, his actions, and his importance. Think about Cromwell's actions and whether you believe he was a true revolutionary.

Commemoration

Despite his treatment upon the Restoration, and an awful reputation in Ireland that lingers to this day, in some sections of society he has gained esteem over the years. As one of British history's most notable parliamentarians, his statue outside the Palace of Westminster is understandable, despite the fact that many of his actions are officially regarded as treasonous. He also has a particular following among Protestant groups, and has retained popularity in Cambridgeshire, where he was known as 'Lord of The Fens'.

Unusually, in Cambridge, he is commemorated in a painted glass window in Emmanuel United Reformed Church, and St. Ives, Cambridgeshire, has a statue of him in the town center. John Milton called Cromwell "Our Chiefest Man," and wrote that, "guided by faith and matchless fortitude [he had] ploughed [God's] glorious way [to] peace and truth".

In 2003, Cromwell was ranked tenth in a popular BBC poll of "100 Greatest Britons".