OLIVER CROMWELL
(1599-1658)

English soldier and statesman born at Huntingdon, which he represented as MP
from 1628-1629. He was active in the events leading to the English Civial
War and raised atroop of horse, fighting at the Battle of Edgehill. He
helped raised the New Model Army (Ironsides) and was instrumental in
defaeting the Royalists at Marston Moor and Naseby. From 1645 he was virtual
dictator of Britain being known as the Lord Protector. After his death he
was succeeded by his son Richard Cromwell.