British Interregnum History Timeline and Biographies

1649

Execution of King Charles I

On January 30, 1649, King Charles I was executed after being tried for treason, marking a pivotal moment in the British Interregnum. This event led to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic in England.

1649

Establishment of the Commonwealth

Following the execution of Charles I, the Commonwealth of England was declared on May 19, 1649. This marked the official beginning of the British Interregnum, with Oliver Cromwell emerging as a key leader in the new republican government.

1653

Cromwell Becomes Lord Protector

In December 1653, Oliver Cromwell was appointed Lord Protector of the Commonwealth. This position gave him significant powers, effectively making him the head of state during the British Interregnum, leading to a military-style governance.

1655

The Rule of Major Generals

In 1655, Cromwell instituted the Major-Generals to enforce order and implement military rule across England. This was a controversial and unpopular measure during the British Interregnum, reflecting the tensions of the period.

1657

Cromwell's Humble Petition and Advice

In 1657, the Humble Petition and Advice was presented to Cromwell, offering him the crown. Although he declined the title of king, this event highlighted the complexities of governance during the British Interregnum and the struggle between republicanism and monarchy.

1658

Death of Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell died on September 3, 1658. His death marked the beginning of a power vacuum in the British Interregnum, leading to political instability and the eventual decline of the Commonwealth.

1659

Restoration of the Rump Parliament

In 1659, the Rump Parliament was restored after a period of military rule. This restoration was part of the ongoing struggles for power during the British Interregnum and reflected the instability of the republican government.

1660

The Restoration of Charles II

On May 29, 1660, Charles II was proclaimed king, marking the end of the British Interregnum. The Restoration brought back the monarchy and traditional governance, concluding a tumultuous period in English history.

1640-1660

The English Civil War (1642-1651) was a series of conflicts between Parliamentarians and Royalists, which ultimately led to the British Interregnum. The war set the stage for the abolition of the monarchy and the rise of republicanism in England.

1650

The Act of Settlement 1650

The Act of Settlement was passed in 1650, which restructured land ownership and governance in Ireland. This act was part of the broader changes occurring during the British Interregnum, affecting English rule in Ireland significantly.

1653

The Barebones Parliament convened in July 1653 as a radical assembly intended to create a new constitution for England. Its short-lived existence was emblematic of the experimental nature of governance during the British Interregnum.

1649-1653

The First Protectorate Parliament met in 1654 and was significant for Cromwell's government. It represented a step towards a more structured form of governance during the British Interregnum, although it faced many challenges.

1658

Richard Cromwell's Brief Rule

After Oliver Cromwell's death, his son Richard Cromwell briefly took over as Lord Protector. His inability to maintain power highlighted the fragility of leadership during the British Interregnum.

1660

In April 1660, the Declaration of Breda was issued by Charles II, promising a general pardon and the restoration of property rights. This declaration was crucial in facilitating the end of the British Interregnum and the return of monarchy.