Lord Protector

The English title of Lord Protector (English: Lord Protector, " patron " ), originally applied to regent, called during the brief republican period of British history, the Head of State of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland. The only carrier of this title 1653-1659 were Oliver Cromwell and his son Richard.

History

After the monarchy in England had been abolished with the beheading of King Charles I. in the year 1649, Cromwell failed in his policy, which aimed to create a supported of all anti- royalist forces new constitutional order. He acted finally similar to the king, whom he had fought years earlier precisely because of this approach is that in 1653 he dissolved in a coup the Rump and instituted a military dictatorship, as their leader, he assumed the title of Lord Protector.

After Oliver Cromwell's death in 1658, his son took over the post and the title. However, Richard Cromwell was able to prevail, neither the army nor in the population and thanked as early as the spring of 1659. This paved the way for the restoration of the Stuart monarchy under Charles II - the following year.

Oliver Cromwell had the title of Lord Protector not invented but inherited from earlier phases of English history. As Lord Protector regents were repeatedly been called, who exercised actual power during the minority of the heir to the throne. Well-known examples are

  • Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III. , Who reigned first instead of his nephew Edward V
  • Edward Seymour, first Duke of Somerset, as regent for the young Edward VI.

The Lord Protector corresponds to the German Prince Regent. Cromwell, however, gave himself this title, without belonging to the ruling family.

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