Lord Protector

A Lord Protector is a British title for heads of state. It has two different meanings at different times in history.

The title of Lord Protector was first used by royal princes or other nobles who ruled as regent while the English monarch was still too young to rule or was not able to rule for some other reason, in this case the Lord Protector would make all the decisions for the country, and the young monarch would decide whether they agree or not.

The Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland was the title of the head of state during the Interregnum, following the first period of the Commonwealth under Council of State government. It was held by Oliver Cromwell (December 1653 – September 1658), leader of the roundheads and his son Richard Cromwell (September 1658 – May 1659) during what is now known as the Protectorate. 

 List of Lord Protectors 
+NameImageHouseBirthMarriage DeathHumphrey, Duke of Gloucester
(1422-1429)Lancaster 3 October 1390
son of Henry IV of EnglandJacqueline, Countess of Hainaut
no children
Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester
no children 23 February 1447Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York
(1454-1460)Plantagenet21 September 1411
Great-grandson of Edward III of EnglandCecily Neville, Duchess of York
twelve children 1 January 1461Richard, Duke of Gloucester
(1483)York2 October 1451
son of Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York and Great-Great-grandson of Edward III of EnglandAnne Neville
one son22 August 1485 Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset
(1547-1549)Seymour1500Catherine Fillol
Anne Seymour, Duchess of Somerset22 January 1552

Category:Heads of state
Category:Titles