Oliver Cromwell: Execution After Death & What Happened

Hey guys! Ever heard the wild story of Oliver Cromwell's posthumous execution? Yeah, you read that right. This is one of those bizarre historical events that just makes you scratch your head and say, "Wait, what?!" So, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the strange saga of a dead guy getting executed. Cromwell, a towering figure in British history, led Parliament's forces to victory in the English Civil War and ruled as Lord Protector. But his story didn't end with his death; it got a whole lot weirder.

Who Was Oliver Cromwell?

Before we get to the juicy details of his posthumous demise, let's rewind a bit and talk about who Oliver Cromwell actually was. Cromwell was born in 1599 and rose to prominence as a military and political leader during one of the most tumultuous periods in English history. He was a staunch Puritan who believed in a strict moral code and a strong advocate for parliamentary rights. When King Charles I tried to rule without Parliament, Cromwell stepped up to defend the rights of the people. Leading the New Model Army, he was instrumental in defeating the Royalist forces and ultimately capturing the king. This victory led to the unprecedented execution of Charles I in 1649, an event that sent shockwaves across Europe. Following the execution, England was declared a republic, known as the Commonwealth, and Cromwell became its Lord Protector in 1653. As Lord Protector, Cromwell implemented various reforms and policies, some of which were quite controversial. He was a firm believer in religious freedom for Protestants but was less tolerant of Catholics. He also imposed strict Puritanical laws, banning activities like theater and certain types of entertainment. While some praised him for bringing stability and order to England after years of civil war, others criticized him for his authoritarian rule and his harsh treatment of political opponents. Regardless of differing opinions, Cromwell’s impact on British history is undeniable. He transformed the political landscape, challenged the power of the monarchy, and paved the way for future reforms. Understanding his role and the context of his time is crucial to grasping why his story took such a strange and unexpected turn after his death.

Cromwell's Death and Initial Burial

Oliver Cromwell died on September 3, 1658, a date laden with significance as it was also the anniversary of his major victories at the Battles of Dunbar and Worcester. After battling an infection, he succumbed to illness, leaving England in a state of uncertainty. His death marked the end of an era and the beginning of a power vacuum. Initially, Cromwell was given a lavish state funeral, befitting his status as Lord Protector. His body was embalmed, dressed in opulent robes, and laid in state at Somerset House in London. Huge crowds of people came to pay their respects, though undoubtedly some were there out of obligation rather than genuine grief. The funeral procession was elaborate and expensive, reflecting the pomp and power that Cromwell had wielded during his lifetime. He was then interred in Westminster Abbey, among kings and other notable figures of English history. This was meant to be a final resting place of honor, a testament to his achievements and his place in the nation's story. However, this was not to be. The political tides were about to turn, and Cromwell's eternal rest would be violently disturbed. The circumstances surrounding his death and burial set the stage for the bizarre events that would unfold just a few years later, making his story one of the most peculiar and controversial in British history.

The Restoration and Revenge

The political landscape of England shifted dramatically with the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Charles II, the son of the executed King Charles I, returned from exile and reclaimed the throne. This marked the end of the Commonwealth and the beginning of a new era. For those who had supported the execution of Charles I, including Oliver Cromwell, it was a time of great peril. The new regime was determined to exact revenge on those who had been involved in the death of the king. While Cromwell was already dead, his body was not beyond the reach of royal retribution. Charles II and his government decided to make an example of Cromwell, to send a clear message that regicide would not be tolerated and that those who defied the monarchy would face dire consequences, even in death. The decision was made to exhume Cromwell's body and subject it to a symbolic execution, a gruesome act of vengeance that would shock and horrify many. This act was not just about punishing Cromwell; it was about erasing his legacy and sending a powerful message about the restoration of royal authority.

The Exhumation and Posthumous Execution

In January 1661, a little over two years after his death, Oliver Cromwell's body was exhumed from its resting place in Westminster Abbey. Along with him, the bodies of John Bradshaw, who had presided over the trial of Charles I, and Henry Ireton, Cromwell's son-in-law and a general in the Parliamentarian army, were also dug up. This act was carried out with the full authority of the restored monarchy, eager to denounce and punish those who had played key roles in the execution of Charles I. On January 30, the anniversary of Charles I's execution, the bodies were taken to Tyburn, the site of public executions in London. Here, they were subjected to a symbolic trial, found guilty of treason, and then subjected to a posthumous execution. Cromwell's body was hanged in chains, along with those of Bradshaw and Ireton. This was a gruesome spectacle, intended to humiliate and degrade the deceased leaders of the Commonwealth. After being hanged, the bodies were taken down, and their heads were cut off and displayed on pikes at Westminster Hall, a stark warning to anyone who might consider challenging the authority of the monarchy again. The rest of their remains were thrown into a pit. This posthumous execution was a shocking act of revenge, a clear demonstration of the restored monarchy's power and its determination to erase the memory of the Commonwealth. It remains one of the most bizarre and unsettling events in British history.

What Happened to Cromwell's Head?

After being displayed on a pike at Westminster Hall, Oliver Cromwell's head embarked on a strange and mysterious journey of its own. For centuries, its whereabouts were unknown, and its story became the stuff of legend. It is believed that a sentry eventually took the head down from the pike, possibly to prevent it from further desecration or perhaps for more mercenary motives. From there, the head passed through various private hands, becoming a macabre curiosity and a symbol of a turbulent period in English history. There were rumors and stories about its existence, but solid evidence was hard to come by. In the late 18th century, the head surfaced in the possession of a family named Wilkinson, who claimed it had been passed down through their lineage. They displayed it as a gruesome family heirloom, attracting both fascination and skepticism. In 1934, the head was subjected to scientific examination, and experts concluded that it was indeed likely to be that of Oliver Cromwell, based on historical accounts and physical characteristics. The head was eventually buried at Sidney Sussex College in Cambridge in 1960, bringing an end to its long and bizarre journey. The story of Cromwell's head is a chilling reminder of the intense political passions of the time and the lengths to which people would go to exact revenge and make a statement.

The Significance of the Event

The posthumous execution of Oliver Cromwell is more than just a bizarre historical anecdote; it's a significant event that sheds light on the political and social dynamics of 17th-century England. It underscores the deep divisions and intense animosities that characterized the period following the English Civil War and the Restoration. The act of exhuming and executing Cromwell's body was a deliberate attempt to erase his legacy and delegitimize the Commonwealth. It was a clear message from the restored monarchy that those who defied royal authority would face the ultimate punishment, even in death. This event also highlights the power of symbols and the importance of memory in shaping historical narratives. By desecrating Cromwell's remains, the monarchy sought to discredit his achievements and rewrite history in their favor. However, the story of Cromwell's posthumous execution also had the unintended consequence of keeping his memory alive. It transformed him into a martyr for some, a symbol of resistance against tyranny and a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power. The story of what happened to Cromwell serves as a potent reminder of the complexities of history and the enduring power of political passions. It is a tale of revenge, symbolism, and the enduring legacy of one of England's most controversial figures.