Oliver Cromwell, the English military and political leader who became Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, indeed had a significant connection with Cambridge. Cromwell was born in 1599 in Huntingdon, but he attended Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, from 1616 to 1617. He came from a relatively well-off family with strong ties to the local gentry.
While Cromwell did not emerge from Cambridge as a major intellectual figure, his exposure to the ideas circulating in Cambridge during the early 17th century likely had an impact on his worldview. The university was a centre of intellectual thought, and many of its scholars were involved in the religious and political debates that led to the Civil War. Cromwell, in his later life, would align with many of the ideas that were debated within the university, particularly those that supported religious reform and parliamentary supremacy.
In summary, although Cromwell’s time at Cambridge was short, the influence of the university and its intellectual atmosphere, particularly its Puritan undercurrents, helped shape his political and religious views. These, in turn, would play a central role in his rise to power and the eventual establishment of the Commonwealth of England.
Cromwell’s Time at Cambridge
Cromwell’s brief time at Cambridge was part of his education, although there is no evidence that he stood out as a student during his year there. He left Cambridge without earning a degree, which was not uncommon in that era, especially for those who were already involved in their family’s land or business interests. However, Cambridge was an important formative time in his life, as it exposed him to the intellectual and religious currents of the period.
Sidney Sussex College
Cromwell’s College, Sidney Sussex College, is still an active and prestigious college at the University of Cambridge today. It is known for its historical and academic significance.
Interestingly, Cromwell’s portrait hangs in the college to this day, a reminder of his time there, even though his connection to Cambridge was relatively brief.
Religious Influence
At Cambridge, Cromwell was exposed to Puritan ideas. The Puritans were a faction within the Church of England who sought to “purify” the Church, advocating for more austere worship practices and a strict moral code.
Cromwell’s Puritan beliefs would profoundly influence his later political actions, especially his opposition to King Charles I and the monarchy. Cromwell’s later efforts to bring about religious reform and his role in the English Civil War were driven, in part, by the Puritan cause.
Following in the Footsteps of Oliver Cromwell in Cambridge
If you’re interested in following in the footsteps of Oliver Cromwell while visiting Cambridge, there are a number of places you can explore that are linked to his life and legacy. While he didn’t spend much time in Cambridge, his connections to the city and its historical significance are still evident.
Here are some notable places to visit in Cambridge that are tied to Cromwell:
Sidney Sussex College
Cromwell’s College: This is the most direct link to Cromwell’s time in Cambridge. He attended Sidney Sussex College for a brief period in the early 1600s. While he did not graduate, the college remains an important part of his story.
Cromwell’s Portrait: His portrait hangs in the college, which is a rare acknowledgement of his connection to the university. The college itself is a beautiful, historic place, with a peaceful atmosphere, lovely gardens, and architecture that gives you a sense of Cambridge in Cromwell’s time.
Great St. Mary's Church
Cromwell’s Baptism: While not directly related to Cromwell’s education, Great St. Mary’s is the church where Oliver Cromwell was baptized. It is located right in the heart of Cambridge and remains an important historical site for anyone exploring Cromwell’s life.
You can also climb the tower for fantastic views of the city.
The Round Church (Holy Sepulchre)
Puritan Influence: Cromwell’s Puritan beliefs were central to his later actions, and the Round Church was one of the key sites for Puritan religious gatherings during the 17th century. The church is a beautiful and unique structure and is linked to the period when Puritan ideas were gaining traction in Cambridge and beyond.
The church now houses a museum that explores the city’s history, including its role in the English Civil War.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Though not specifically dedicated to Cromwell, the Fitzwilliam Museum is a must-visit for those interested in the broader historical context of Cromwell’s time. The museum houses many works of art, manuscripts, and historical artefacts that can provide deeper insights into the period of the English Civil War and the Commonwealth era.
Trinity College and St John's College
While Trinity College is not directly linked to Cromwell (he studied at Sidney Sussex), it is one of the most famous colleges in Cambridge, and it had a major influence on the political and intellectual climate of the time. The college was home to many leading figures who were involved in the political events of the 17th century, including the English Civil War. Another major college in Cambridge, St. John’s College, was influential during Cromwell’s time, as it produced many intellectual figures who played roles in the period’s political upheavals. While not directly tied to Cromwell, it provides a broader sense of the academic atmosphere of Cambridge in the early 17th century.
Cambridge University Library
For anyone interested in learning more about Cromwell’s political life, the Cambridge University Library is an excellent resource. The library holds many historical manuscripts, including texts from the time of the English Civil War and the Commonwealth. It’s a good place to explore the intellectual environment that helped shape Cromwell’s ideas.
Oliver Cromwell’s Birthplace (Huntingdon)
Though not in Cambridge proper, if you’re interested in a more personal connection to Cromwell, you can visit his birthplace in Huntingdon, about 20 miles from Cambridge. The house is now a museum dedicated to his life and times. Cromwell’s early life and political background are explained through various exhibits.
While Cromwell’s time at Cambridge was relatively brief, the city’s historic colleges and churches, particularly Sidney Sussex College, offer the best places to explore his connection to the university. To understand his broader influence, visiting museums and historical sites across the city will provide context on the political and religious changes that shaped his life.
