Cromwellian Parliament
The Cromwellian Parliament refers to the series of parliaments that were convened during the rule of Oliver Cromwell in England from 1653 to 1658. After the English Civil War, Cromwell, a leader of the Parliamentary forces, established a republican government known as the Commonwealth. The parliaments aimed to create laws and govern the nation, but they often faced challenges, including conflicts with the military and differing political factions.
The most notable of these was the Barebones Parliament of 1653, which was composed of nominated members rather than elected representatives. Cromwell's government sought to implement reforms, but the parliaments struggled to maintain authority and were eventually dissolved. The Cromwellian period ended with the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, marking a significant shift in English governance.