the Protectorate
/ðə prəˈtektərət/
/ðə prəˈtektərət/
- the period from 1653 to 1658 when Oliver Cromwell ruled Britain with the title of Lord Protector, and from 1658 to 1659 when his son Richard (1626-1712) ruled with the same title. During this time they claimed greater powers, often ruling alone without a parliament. In 1659 the Long Parliament was established again, which voted for the return of King Charles II.
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the Protectorate