Prompt Cast
The Controversial Life and Legacy of Oliver Cromwell
TLDR Oliver Cromwell, a highly controversial figure, ruled England for eleven years in the 17th century. He rose to prominence during the Civil War, became a leader in the Puritan movement, and eventually declared himself Lord Protector. After his death, the Commonwealth fell apart and the monarchy was restored, but Cromwell's legacy still evokes strong reactions today.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Oliver Cromwell was a highly controversial figure who ruled England for eleven years in the 17th century, and this episode explores his life and legacy.
02:39
Oliver Cromwell's early life was marked by his education at a Puritan college and his marriage to a strict Puritan, but it wasn't until a spiritual awakening in 1631 that he formally joined the Puritan Church and became critical of the government and King Charles.
04:55
Oliver Cromwell quickly rose to prominence during the Civil War, becoming a successful military commander and rising to the rank of Lieutenant General within two years of combat. After the surrender of King Charles and the splintering of various political factions, Cromwell became a leader in the Puritan movement and a prominent figure in parliament.
07:03
Cromwell quickly put down uprisings and incursions, leading to the start and end of the Second English Civil War, and then supported the execution of King Charles I in order to end the Civil War once and for all.
09:27
Oliver Cromwell dissolved Parliament, declared himself Lord Protector, and essentially became a monarch, appointing his son Richard as his successor, but after his death, the Commonwealth fell apart and the monarchy was restored with the ascension of Charles II.
11:58
Oliver Cromwell's body was exhumed, posthumously executed, and his head was put on display for 30 years before being hidden, sold, and eventually ending up in the possession of the Wilkinson family.
14:24
Oliver Cromwell's head, which was identified by its warts, was eventually buried in a small ceremony at Sydney Sussex College in Cambridge, the same college Cromwell attended, and his legacy still evokes strong reactions today.
