3-056-991 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Order proclaiming Oliver Cromwell as Protector of England, 1653. After the victory of parliament in the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell took a leading part in the trial and execution of Charles I. However, increasing conflicts between the army and parliament over the issue of the future shape of the constitution convinced Cromwell that he should assume supreme power, but with the title of Protector, rather than as King. This is the order of the council of state, an executive body set up after Charles's execution, for the proclamation of 'His Highness Oliver Cromwell' as Lord Protector.