Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658)

Stipple engraving by V Gottshick and Ridley, after Samuel Cooper, published 1800 (c).

Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector, shown wearing armour.

Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) rose to prominence in the committees of the House of Commons and fought in the early campaigns of the Civil Wars of Britain (1639-1651) under the Parliamentarian Earl of Essex. In 1644, he commanded the cavalry of the Eastern Association at the Battle of Marston Moor; in 1645 he was in command of the cavalry of the newly-formed New Model Army at the Battle of Naseby.