Cromwell, Richard, 1626–1712, lord protector of England; third son of Oliver Cromwell. He was the eldest surviving son at the death of his father (Sept. 3, 1658), who had nominated him as his successor. Although he had served in Parliament and on the council of state, Richard lacked the energy and experience to manage complicated affairs of state. Army and Parliament struggled for power, and the army forced Richard to dismiss Parliament on Apr. 22, 1659. His Protectorate had actually collapsed, but it continued in name until May 25, when the Rump Parliament, which had reassembled itself, reestablished the Commonwealth. He lived abroad (1660–80) and later in England under an assumed name.
(born Oct. 4, 1626—died July 12, 1712, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, Eng.) Lord protector of England (September 1658–May 1659). He was the eldest surviving son of Oliver Cromwell, who groomed him for high office. He served in the Parliamentary army and was a member of Parliament and the council of state. After his father's death he was proclaimed lord protector, but he soon encountered serious difficulties and was forced to abdicate. Having amassed large debts, he fled to Paris in 1660 to escape his creditors; in 1680 he returned and lived in seclusion.
Bibliography
See biography by R. W. Ramsay (1935); study by E. M. Hause (1972).
Cromwell, Richard
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Richard Cromwell, miniature by an unknown artist; in the National Portrait Gallery, London
(credit: Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, London)
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