Original: It was held by Oliver Cromwell ( December 1653 â '' September 1658 ) and his son and designated successor Richard Cromwell ( September 1658 â '' May 1659 ) during what is now known as The Protectorate .
Simplified: It was held by Oliver Cromwell ( December 1653 -- September 1658 ) and his son Richard Cromwell ( September 1658 -- May 1659 ) during what is now known as the Protectorate .