Key facts and dates

The period following the execution of Charles I in 1649, known as the Interregnum, was marked by political instability, competing visions for England's future, and power struggles.

Timeline of key events

• 1649 – Establishment of the Commonwealth, ruled by the Rump Parliament and a Council of State including Oliver Cromwell.
• 1649–1651 – Cromwell crushes revolts in Ireland and Scotland, and defeats Charles II at Worcester.
• 1651 – Charles II flees abroad after his defeat, leaving royalists hoping for a future restoration of the monarchy.
• 1653 – Cromwell dissolves the Rump Parliament and replaces it with the Nominated Assembly, which passes 29 measures on legal and religious issues.

The interregnum: period between reigns

After the execution of King Charles I in 1649, England entered a time of uncertainty known as the Interregnum. This Latin term means "the period between reigns" and refers to the years without a monarch, from 1649 until the restoration of Charles II in 1660. During this era, various groups debated and fought over how to govern the country, leading to experiments in republican rule and ongoing conflicts.

Different ideas about governing the country

Following the Civil Wars, the victorious parliamentary forces soon divided over the best way to run England. These competing visions reflected deep ideological differences, with some favouring continued parliamentary rule, others a return to monarchy, and the military seeking to maintain its influence.

Main groups and their views

• Republicans - They supported Parliament ruling without a king. After excluding royalist MPs and the entire House of Lords, the remaining body was called the Rump Parliament. In 1649, they established a republic called the Commonwealth, initially governed by the Rump Parliament and a Council of State that included Oliver Cromwell.
• Royalists - Loyal to the monarchy, they hoped for its restoration, ideally under Charles I's son, Charles II. After his defeat in 1651, Charles II fled abroad, but royalists continued to plot for his return.
• The army - Generals and soldiers, who had gained power during the wars, wanted to preserve their influence in any new government, often clashing with civilian leaders.

Groups advocating social and economic equality

Beyond political governance, some radical groups emerged during the Interregnum, pushing for greater social and economic reforms. These movements, often rooted in Puritan beliefs, challenged traditional hierarchies but faced strong opposition.

Key radical groups

• Levellers - This group sought to abolish the monarchy and end the privileges of nobles, aiming for more equality. They tried to gain support within the army, but Oliver Cromwell acted swiftly to suppress them, viewing their ideas as a threat to order.
• Diggers - A religious and social movement that believed in communal farming to benefit the poor. In 1649, they attempted to plant crops on common land at St George's Hill in Surrey, but their efforts were destroyed by a local mob, highlighting resistance to their egalitarian ideals.

The struggle for power from 1649 to 1653

The early years of the Commonwealth were dominated by power struggles, as Oliver Cromwell consolidated his position amid revolts and parliamentary conflicts. This period saw attempts to stabilise the new republic, but internal divisions led to rapid changes in government.

Key developments in the power struggle

• Cromwell's military successes - From 1649 to 1651, Cromwell strengthened his role on the Council of State by suppressing rebellions in Ireland and Scotland, and decisively defeating Charles II's forces in 1651.
• Conflict with the Rump Parliament - Tensions arose between Cromwell and the Rump, leading him to dissolve it in 1653 after a major clash.
• Creation of the Nominated Assembly - In 1653, Cromwell replaced the Rump with this new body, also known as the Barebones Parliament, which included nominated members focused on reform. It passed 29 measures addressing legal and religious issues, reflecting moderate efforts to tackle pressing problems.

Some figures within the assembly were considered moderates who sought to balance different interests and avoid extreme changes.