Jul 12
Death of Richard Cromwell: The Short-Lived Protector of England
On July 12, 1712, Richard Cromwell, son of the famous Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, died at the age of 85. Richard briefly served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland after his father’s death in 1658, but his leadership lacked the military and political authority that had sustained the Cromwellian government.
Known as “Tumbledown Dick,” Richard Cromwell resigned in 1659 after only a few months in power, helping to open the way for the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Unlike his father, Richard lived a quiet life after leaving office and witnessed the return of the Stuart kings and the changing political landscape of England.
