Richard Cromwell was the son of Oliver Cromwell, the leader of the English Civil War and Lord Protector of England. Born in 1626, he became the second Lord Protector after his father's death in 1658. His rule was marked by political instability and challenges from various factions, including the Royalists and Parliamentarians. Richard's leadership was short-lived, as he struggled to maintain control over the government. In 1659, he resigned and went into exile, leading to the eventual restoration of the Monarchy in 1660. He lived the rest of his life in relative obscurity, passing away in 1712.