1599

Oliver Cromwell was born in Huntingdon, Cambridge

1616

Cromwell joined Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge University

1617

Cromwell’s father died. Cromwell left Cambridge University and returned to Huntingdon

1620

Cromwell married Elizabeth Bourchier

1628

Cromwell was elected Member of Parliament for Huntingdon

1629

Cromwell attacked bishops in a parliamentary speech

1640

Cromwell elected MP for Cambridge

1642

The English Civil War started. Cromwell raised a troop of cavalry in Huntingdon for Parliament.

1643

Cromwell is appointed a colonel in the cavalry

1644

Cromwell is appointed a lieutenant-general in the Eastern Association

Cromwell fought at the Battle of Marston Moor in July

1645

The New Model Army created. It was lead by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Cromwell was appointed a lieutenant-general in it. The New Model Army fought the Royalists at the Battle of Naseby in June

1647

In June, after failing to reconcile the king, Charles I, Parliament and the army, Cromwell puts his full support behind the army.

1648

Cromwell’s army defeated the Royalists at the Battle of Preston in August. In December, Cromwell pushed for a full trial of Charles I who was to be charged with treason

1649

January 30th, Charles was executed. Cromwell’s signature was third on the death warrant. The Council of State of the Commonwealth replaced the monarchy.

1650

In June, Cromwell was appointed Captain-General of the Commonwealth

1653

Cromwell dissolved the Rump Parliament. In December, Cromwell was appointed Lord Protector of the Commonwealth

1654

Cromwell sent a naval force to the West Indies which seized Jamaica

1655

In May, the process started of dividing England into groups of counties under the command of a major-general. Their task was to enforce local government

1657

System of major-generals ended. Cromwell was offered the crown of England but refused it.

1658

September 3rd, Cromwell died. A state funeral was held in November.

1660

The monarchy, under Charles II, was restored to England

1661

On January 30th, Cromwell’s body was dug up and symbolically executed and then buried at Tyburn.