Dissolution of Parliament by Richard Cromwell (1659)

In April 1659, Lord Protector Richard Cromwell dissolved the Third Protectorate Parliament in London. This action followed escalating tensions between the civilian legislature and the army, specifically regarding military funding and officer authority, leading to the recall of the Rump Parliament.

Episodes

Background and detail

Political Context. Richard Cromwell succeeded his father Oliver as Lord Protector in 1658 but lacked comparable authority. The Third Protectorate Parliament, sitting from January 1659, was dominated by moderate Presbyterians and crypto-royalists. This composition created friction with the military, which feared financial cuts and legislative interference in army affairs.

Military-Parliament Conflict. Tensions peaked in April 1659 when Parliament shelved an army petition for higher taxation and impeached a military officer. The Commons subsequently passed resolutions restricting officer meetings and requiring oaths against subverting Parliament. These moves were viewed by army grandees as direct affronts to military prestige, precipitating a final split.

Dissolution and Aftermath. Yielding to military demands, Richard Cromwell dissolved Parliament on 22 April 1659. The Rump Parliament was subsequently recalled on 7 May 1659. Richard was never formally deposed or arrested but allowed to fade from power, eventually leaving for France in 1660.

People involved

Sources

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