Oliver Cromwell dissolved the Long Parliament on April 20, 1653, by marching in with soldiers, accusing them of corruption and self-interest, and famously telling them to "In the name of God, go!" to end their prolonged, ineffective sitting. This forceful act ended the Commonwealth's first parliament, leading to a period of direct military rule and the eventual establishment of the Protectorate, with Cromwell as Lord Protector, highlighting his frustration with legislative bodies and desire for effective governance.
He believed that Parliament had become a corrupt, self-serving body, failing to enact necessary reforms or dissolve itself to call new elections, despite the army's support for its creation.
Cromwell entered the House with soldiers, dismissed the members, and famously declared, "You have sat too long for any good you have been doing lately... Depart, I say; and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!".
The dissolution led to military rule and the creation of the short-lived, nominated Barebones Parliament, followed by the Instrument of Government in December 1653, which made Cromwell Lord Protector.
Paul de Rapin's History of England, originally in French (Histoire d'Angleterre), was a landmark 18th-century work, first published in the 1720s, offering a comprehensive and impartial account from Roman times to William & Mary, becoming hugely influential through Nicholas Tindal's popular English translation, noted for its detailed footnotes and illustrations. This extensive work served as a crucial standard history for decades, detailing Britain's past, including its monarchs and events, and remained a key text until superseded by David Hume's history.
Written by French Huguenot historian Paul de Rapin-Thoyras (1661-1725). It covered British history from Julius Caesar's landing through to the late 17th century, notably ending with William and Mary's accession.
It aimed to be an unbiased history for foreign audiences, a departure from earlier histories
Nicholas Tindal's escellent English translation (first published in 1732) significantly boosted its success, adding extensive, informative footnotes and details.
It became the most comprehensive history of England in its time, greatly influencing British historiography in the 18th century and remaining a standard until David Hume.
It often appeared in multi-volume sets, featuring engraved portraits, coats of arms, and folding maps, making them desirable collector's items.
In essence, Rapin's work provided a detailed, scholarly narrative of English history that was widely embraced, especially in its acclaimed English translation, shaping historical understanding for generations.
