1. Oliver Cromwell. Hero or Enemy of the people?

2. Based upon these statements what did people think of Cromwell in 1657?
March 1657
It’s thanks to him that we have overcome our enemies. We look forward to peace under his leadership.
Oliver , we want you to be our new King!
Oliver Cromwell is a good man. He has led us through the Civil War, one of the most dangerous times in our history.
Based upon these statements what did people think of Cromwell in 1657?

3. January 1661
Oliver Cromwell had been dead for two years. He was called a traitor by Parliament, and his dead body was hung.
At last Oliver Cromwell is getting what he deserves.
Based upon these statements what did people think of Cromwell in 1661?
Why may people have changed their minds about him?

4. Oliver Cromwell Fact File
This portrait was painted around 1650 when Cromwell was the most powerful man in England.
“Paint my picture exactly like me and do not flatter me at all. Show all these wrinkles, pimples, warts and everything else as you see me. Otherwise I will not pay a farthing for it.”

5. Oliver Cromwell Fact File
He enjoyed outdoor activities
such as
hunting and riding.
He was a very emotional man.
He was bad tempered.
He could be very rude to people.
He believed in honesty and
straight talking.
He was not well dressed.
When he addressed Parliament in
1640 his clothes were dirty.

6. Oliver Cromwell Fact File
A modern day doctor may say that Cromwell suffered from depression.
When Cromwell first went to Parliament he made many simple mistakes.
Sometimes Cromwell would take days to come to a decision. At other times he made snap decisions.
Cromwell made many enemies. Some say he was cruel and selfish. Cromwell maintained that he was acting in the best interests of the country at all times.
Cromwell was 43 years old when he fought in the English Civil War. He ‘enjoyed the experience’.

7. Oliver Cromwell Fact File - Task
Create a file of words that describe Oliver Cromwell. They could be your own words or words already used to describe him.
Positive Words
Negative Words
Neutral
Words

8. Positive Words
Negative Words
Neutral
Words

9. Oliver Cromwell and Religion
Why was religion so important to Cromwell?

10. Oliver Cromwell and Religion
In the 1600’s most people in Britain were religious.
They would go to church every Sunday.

11. Oliver Cromwell and Religion
There were two main religions
Catholic (Catholicism)
Protestant (Protestantism)

12. Oliver Cromwell and Religion
The Catholic Church
The Pope in Rome is the head of the church
The Bible and services should be in Latin
Churches should be richly decorated
Priests should wear colourful clothes
Priests should not marry
Celebrate Christmas and Easter

13. Oliver Cromwell and Religion
The Church
The King is the head of the Church
The Bible is in English
Some decorated clothing allowed
Priests can wear colourful clothes?
Priests can marry
Celebrate Christmas and Easter.

14. Oliver Cromwell and Religion
The Puritans.
God is the head of the Church not the King
The Bible and services should be in English
The churches should be plain
Priests should not wear colourful clothing
Priests can marry
Christmas and Easter should not be celebrated

15. Oliver Cromwell and Religion
Task
1. Why did Catholics dislike the Church of England?
2. Why did Puritans dislike the Church of England so much?
3. Does the Church of England sound more Puritan than Catholic?
4. To which ‘group’ did Oliver Cromwell belong?

16. Hero or Enemy of the People?
Cromwell
Hero or Enemy of the People?