English Civil War

The English Civil War of 1641-1651 saw the country divided between the supporters of Parliament under Oliver Cromwell and those loyal to King Charles I. Over the years there were several major battles and sieges, ending with Parliamentary victory at the Battle of Worcester on 3rd September 1651. Parliamentary forces are still referred to as the 'Roundheads', while the Royalists to this day are known as 'Cavaliers'.

From 1649 to 1659 the monarchy was abolished and replaced by the Commonwealth of England (1649-1653; 1659-1660) and a Protectorate (1653-1659), a military regime headed by Cromwell and later his son Richard.