This Day in History: 25 April 2020
25 April 1599
421 years ago, today, Oliver Cromwell was born in Huntingdon, England. Best known for making England a republic and leading the Commonwealth of England, Cromwell was a significant English military and political leader. As one of the generals on the parliamentary side of the English Civil War, against Charles I, he helped overthrow the Stuart monarchy, and consequently became Lord Protector of England. In this role, he raised England's status to more of a leading European power, after the decline it had faced following the death of Queen Elizabeth I.
Cromwell believed deeply in the importance of religious toleration; despite the fact he was a convinced Calvinist. Throughout history, he has been labelled as a dictator by some, including Winston Churchill, as he was a devout Puritan, particularly intolerant of Catholics and Quakers. However, he is credited for helping to lead Great Britain toward a constitutional government. It is thought that he was prompted to join this sect in the 1630s due to his marriage to Elizabeth Bourchier, whose family was active in the Puritan church. After his death, his body was dug out by supporters of the monarchy and was beheaded. His head was then displayed on a pole outside Westminster for more than 20 years.
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