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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Protectorate
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(1653–9) The period during the *Commonwealth in which Great Britain was ruled by Oliver *Cromwell as Lord Protector and then briefly by his son Richard (1626–1712). The Protectorate was established, immediately after the dissolution of the *Barebones Parliament, by a document known as the Instrument of Government (1653). This gave control for his lifetime to Cromwell, who was to govern with a nominated council and occasional parliaments.
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The second of these parliaments extended his rule with another document, the Humble Petition and Advice (1657), giving him the right to appoint his successor. He nominated his son, who governed from his father's death in September 1658 to May 1659, when he was eased out of power among increasing hostilities between parliament and the army. Military rule seemed probable until prevented by the decisive action of General *Monck.
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