It is indeed ironic that despite having fought to defend the rights of Parliament in the Civil War of 1642-46, Cromwell forcibly dissolved the Rump in 1653, a mere 4 years after the execution of the King and establishment of the English Republic. Moreover, the reasoning behind the decision to terminate the proceedings of this Parliament, which had by now been dwindled down by various purgations to about fifty-three members, has been a matter of much historical debate with traditional historians arguing their dismissal was due to the prospect of a self-perpetuating bill whilst other such as Barry Coward suggest the Rump was rather 'a victim of the republican dilemma'. However, despite these conflicting interpretations it is indeed apparent that by Cromwell ordering the Rump to "In the name of God, go!" on 20th April 1653, military power was placed above all else and the last 'legitimate' traces of power in England were abolished.…
