What was the role of the Protectorate during the Interregnum?

The Protectorate was the period of governance by Oliver Cromwell during the Interregnum, where he held the title of Lord Protector.

The Protectorate, which lasted from 1653 to 1659, was a significant period in the Interregnum, the time between the execution of Charles I in 1649 and the restoration of Charles II in 1660. During this time, Oliver Cromwell, a key figure in the English Civil War, held the title of Lord Protector and effectively ruled as a republican head of state.

The role of the Protectorate was to provide a form of government for England, Scotland and Ireland following the abolition of the monarchy. Cromwell's rule was characterised by a strong military presence, with the army playing a significant role in governance. This was a departure from the traditional monarchy and parliamentary rule, and it was a period of significant political experimentation.

Cromwell's Protectorate was marked by a focus on religious tolerance, at least for Protestant sects, and attempts at constitutional reform. The Instrument of Government, a written constitution, was introduced during this period, outlining the powers of the Lord Protector and the Parliament. This was a significant development in the history of British constitutional law.

However, the Protectorate was also a period of political instability and controversy. Cromwell's rule was often autocratic, and his attempts to dissolve Parliament and rule alone were met with resistance. The Protectorate was also marked by economic difficulties and ongoing conflicts with foreign powers, including the Dutch and the Spanish.

In summary, the role of the Protectorate during the Interregnum was to provide a form of government following the abolition of the monarchy. It was a period of significant political change and experimentation, marked by a strong military presence, attempts at constitutional reform, and a degree of religious tolerance. However, it was also a period of political instability, controversy, and conflict.