Richard Cromwell

Richard Cromwell (4 October 1626 – 12 July 1712) was the third son of Oliver Cromwell and the second Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland for little over eight months, from 3 September 1658 to 25 May 1659. His enemies called him "Hickory Dick" and "Queen Dick".

He  was not suited to ruling the country. He followed his father only because he was Oliver's oldest living son, and people expected one of Oliver's sons to follow him.  After a short time, Richard gave up power and knew that many people wanted King Charles II to come back from the Netherlands and rule the country.  When it was agreed that Charles would return, Richard thought it would be best for him to leave Britain, and he went to live in France for a while.

He changed his name to "John Clarke", travelled around Europe and did not return home for 20 years. After he came back, he lived quietly outside London for the rest of his life.

The nursery rhyme "Hickory Dickory Dock" is actually about Richard Cromwell. One of Richard's nicknames was "Hickory Dick". The mouse in the rhyme runs down when the clock strikes one, and Cromwell ruled for only one year.

 References 




 Other websites 
 BBC Bio of Richard Cromwell
 BBC Bio of Oliver Cromwell 
 Britannia.com "Monarchs" Page on Richard Cromwell 



Category:1626 births
Category:1712 deaths
Category:English heads of state