Parliament ruled the country for 3 years. But in 1653 the army generals asked Cromwell to take over. He became Lord Protector. This job earned him £100,000 a year. In many ways he was a successful ruler. England became peaceful again. He took control of Ireland and Scotland. He made Britain stronger abroad. The navy defeated the Dutch and the Spanish and Captured Jamaica in the West Indies.

As Lord Protector Cromwell let Catholics worship in private as long as they did not cause any trouble. Jews had been expelled from England during the Middle Ages. Cromwell allowed Jews back in England for the first time in 400 years although his advisers and MPs said this was wrong.

Put the title: What was England like when Cromwell was Lord Protector? Split your page into two: One column successes and the second column failures. In detail…write down 3 successes of Cromwell’s rule…

Cromwell was a puritan. He allowed other puritans to take charge of the country. Puritans loved the bible, It taught them how Jesus had led a simple life, eating ordinary food and wearing plain clothes. They thought that all people should do the same. So they did not go in for wearing bright fashionable clothes. Their clothes were dull and plain. It was the same in churches. Stained glass windows, statues, bells and organs were removed. Puritans believed that you had to work hard if you wanted to go to heaven. So they frowned upon pleasures and entertainments.

Cromwell believed that women and girls should dress in a proper manner. Make-up was banned. Puritan leaders and soldiers would roam the streets of towns and scrub off any make-up found on unsuspecting women. Too colourful dresses were banned. A Puritan lady wore a long black dress that covered her almost from neck to toes. She wore a white apron and her hair was bunched up behind a white head-dress. Puritan men wore black clothes and short hair

In 1656 Cromwell banned “horse races, cock fighting, bear-baitings, plays…because treason and rebellion often occur at such places.” He also banned football, drunkenness and swearing. You could be fined 16 ½ p for saying something like “Lord, have mercy” You could be whipped if you were caught playing football on a Sunday. There were no more special feast days. Instead the puritans introduced a fast day once a month where there was no eating. Even Christmas Day wasn’t the same. Puritans thought that decorations such as holly were sinful. So were mince pies. One year, soldiers even went round houses in London at dinner- time and took away the meat for Christmas dinner. You weren’t supposed to eat at all on Christmas Day! But he also made a law which would help to look after poor people.

In 1656 Cromwell banned “horse races, cock fighting, bear baitings, plays…because treason and rebellion often occur at such places.” he also banned drunkenness, swearing. But he also made a law which would help to look after poor people.

Cromwell and Puritan leaders even banned maypole dancing. However, Cromwell was not all that strict. He drank and liked music. He played bowls and went hunting. There were even violins and dancing at his daughters wedding.

What was England like when Cromwell was Lord Protector ? Add any further successes and any failures that you have read. Think: just because Cromwell made unpopular decisions did not necessarily make him a bad ruler… did he make any quite fair or sensible decisions.

Cromwell and Puritan leaders even banned maypole dancing. Cromwell believed that women and girls should dress in a proper manner. Make-up was banned. Puritan soldiers would roam the streets of towns and scrub off any make-up found on unsuspecting women. Too colourful dresses were banned. head-dress. Cromwell made a law which would help to look after poor people. There were no more special feast days. Instead the puritans introduced a fast day once a month where there was no eating. Even Christmas Day wasn’t the same. Puritans thought that decorations such as holly were sinful. So were mince pies. One year, soldiers even went round houses in London at dinner-time and took away the meat for Christmas dinner. You weren’t supposed to eat at all on Christmas Day! In 1656 Cromwell banned “horse races, cock fighting, bear baitings, plays…because treason and rebellion often occur at such places.” He also banned football, drunkenness and swearing. You could be fined 16 ½ p for saying something like “Lord, have mercy” You could be whipped if you were caught playing football on a Sunday. However, Cromwell was not all that strict. He drank and liked music. He played bowls and went hunting. There were even violins and dancing at his daughters wedding. Jews had been expelled from England during the Middle Ages. Cromwell allowed Jews back in England for the first time in 400 years although his advisers and MPs said this was wrong. He took control of Ireland and Scotland. He made Britain stronger abroad. The navy defeated the Dutch and the Spanish and Captured Jamaica in the West Indies. As Lord Protector Cromwell let Catholics worship in private as long as they did not cause any trouble.

Very Strict Very Tolerant Did Benefit Britain Did not benefit England

In 1657 Parliament met again. The M.P’s surprised Cromwell – they asked him to become King. It was an agonising decision. What do you think Cromwell would have decided to do?

His final reply – was no!

Title: King Cromwell 1. Cromwell was asked to be King in What was his answer? 2. Do you find this surprising? Why/Why not? (Think about to lesson on the execution of King Charles)

A cartoon of Cromwell drawn by a Dutch artist, c Can you find: The crown Sword of justice The orb, symbol of a King’s power Royal robes Armour Devils Charles’execution? Does Cromwell look right for the job of King?

a) Do you think the artist in your picture wanted Cromwell to become King? Refer to picture for evidence. b) What was your artist trying to about Cromwell in his picture? c) Do you think the artists interpretation about Cromwell is right? Why?

A drawing of Cromwell by an English artist, Can you find: A bible Greek words “they mean “I worship only God” Two pillars (symbols of power) A dove holding an olive branch (symbols of peace) Noah’s ark being guided by God from a flood to safety on top of a mountain. The people of England, Scotland and Ireland offering gifts to Cromwell False religions being trampled underneath Cromwell’s feet. People living peaceful and wealthy lives.

In 1656 Parliament met again. In 1657, M.P’s surprised Cromwell – they asked him to become King. Cromwell found it very hard to make a decision – it took him 6 long weeks to reply. It was an agonising decision. His final reply – was no! Thank you very much for asking.