Who Was Oliver Cromwell?

If you study British history, you will need to know who Oliver Cromwell was. So, who is Oliver Cromwell? See other Oliver Cromwell biography, facts and information for a complete story on Oliver Cromwell.

Why was Oliver Cromwell famous?

Oliver Cromwell is well known in British history. Oliver Cromwell was one of the most important figures in British history. Through his surprising military ability, his genius for organization and sheer force of character he was able to overthrow a corrupt and selfish monarch and restore political stability after the civil wars.

Oliver Cromwell then raised England's status to a level it hadn't reached since the reign of Elizabeth I. England gained new national prestige under Oliver Cromwell, but perhaps even more importantly it developed a model for religious tolerance that would influence the nation for generations to come.

Although the monarchy returned, the memory of religious freedom never left. This freedom, for which Oliver Cromwell so energetically fought, was even more remarkable in view of his own strong Puritan and Calvinist beliefs. Unlike other religious crusaders, Oliver Cromwell never insisted that people adopt his own faith - only that they have the liberty to pursue the faith of their choosing. From the very beginning, it was his sense of duty to God that motivated him and politics was secondary. And from this sense of duty, he derived the steadfast will that re-shaped a nation for a period that, although brief, has never been forgotten.

What did Oliver Cromwell look like?

Oliver Cromwell was tall and strong with a rather homely face. Oliver Cromwell had a large bulbous nose, a prominent wart on his forehead and an even larger one in the middle of his chin.

What was Oliver Cromwell like?

Oliver Cromwell was neither vain nor modest - mostly he was honest. In later years, when he sat for a portrait painter who was famous for his glamorized paintings of the nobility, Cromwell told him: "I desire you would use all your skill to paint my picture truly like me, and not flatter me at all; but remark all these roughnesses, pimples, warts, and everything as you see me, otherwise I will never pay a farthing for it."

Staring out from this rather roughly hewn face were a pair of keen, bright eyes. Oliver Cromwell 's expression was serious, almost stern. Oliver Cromwell had a harsh voice and wasn't the most eloquent speaker, but he put so much feeling into his words that in Huntingdon was known for the inspiring way he led people in prayer and hymns. Oliver Cromwell always held himself erect and had the dignified manner that distinguished a country squire.