Statesman · 1599 – 1658

Oliver Cromwell

Little-Known Facts

After the monarchy was restored, his body was dug up and posthumously 'executed'.
He reportedly asked to be painted 'warts and all', giving rise to the phrase.

Was Cromwell a king?

No — he refused the crown when it was offered, ruling instead as Lord Protector, though his powers were in many ways king-like.