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Richard Cromwell

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World Leader

The Resume

    (October 4, 1626-July 12, 1712)
    Born in Huntingdon, England, United Kingdom
    Son of Oliver Cromwell
    Succeeded his father as Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland
    Reign lasted nine months (September 3, 1658-May 25, 1659)
    Went into exile in France (1660)
    Returned to England under the pseudonym 'John Clarke' (1681)

Why he might be annoying:

    His father complained about his 'idleness.'
    His main qualification for the job of Lord Protector was his father, which seems to have been the sort of thing Oliver was fighting against when he overthrew the monarchy.
    He was ineffectual in negotiating the power struggle between Parliament and the army.
    He was given the derisive nicknames Tumbledown Dick and Queen Dick.
    His adoption of a pseudonym probably had more to do with his need to avoid creditors than any fear of harassment from the restored monarchy.

Why he might not be annoying:

    Only four of his nine children lived to adulthood.
    He turned down an offer of armed assistance from the French ambassador.
    The Commonwealth had become so unpopular and so heavily in debt that it probably would have failed in a short time no matter who had succeeded Oliver Cromwell.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 17 Votes: 94.12% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 18 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 4 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 13 Votes: 53.85% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 14 Votes: 71.43% Annoying