Cromwell’s reputation is contentious

Cromwell, who was raised in a middle-class family and was born in 1599, converted to Puritanism in the 1630s. He was chosen to serve as a Member of Parliament in 1640, and from 1642 to 1651, he fought alongside the Roundheads in opposition to King Charles I's Royalist (Cavalier) forces.

He participated in the formation of the New Model Army, a military force of well-equipped and highly trained soldiers that gave promotions to deserving individuals regardless of social standing. It didn't take Cromwell long to show that he was a capable leader, and he was crucial in the downfall of the Royalists.

Without a doubt, he is among the most contentious, divisive, and controversial historical figures, this is one of the interesting facts about Oliver Cromwell. Oliver Cromwell is regarded by some as the "father of democracy," a savior, and a hero who fought for liberty, while he is despised by others as a villain, a ruthless leader, a religious bigot, and nothing more than a murderous hypocrite.

Cromwell's reputation has undergone numerous revisions over the centuries since his death in 1658 at the age of 59 as historians have worked to assess and dissect one of history's most complex characters.