# Cromwell becomes Lord Protector (1653)

URL: https://english-history.com/timeline/1653-cromwell-becomes-lord-protector
Categories: ruler-change, main-event

After dissolving the Rump Parliament, Cromwell became head of state under the Instrument of Government. Within the broader Stuarts & Revolutions period, the shared monarchy of England, Scotland and Ireland produced conflicts over religion, taxation and sovereignty that culminated in civil war, revolution and union. This event is placed at 1653 in the chronology so it can be read alongside the political, military, social and cultural changes around it. The Protectorate combined republican institutions with strong executive power.

## Why it matters
The Protectorate combined republican institutions with strong executive power.

Ruler at the time: [Oliver Cromwell](https://english-history.com/rulers/oliver-cromwell)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Cromwell becomes Lord Protector](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Cromwell+becomes+Lord+Protector&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Cromwell becomes Lord Protector](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Cromwell+becomes+Lord+Protector)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of British history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_British_history_%281600%E2%80%931699%29)
- [UK Parliament — Living Heritage](https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/)