The Correspondence of Henry Cromwell, 1655-1659: British Library Lansdowne Manuscripts

This volume of Henry Cromwell’s correspondence contains full and annotated transcripts of most of the 536 items in the collection held by the British Library. The majority of the letters sent to Henry Cromwell during the period between the summer of 1655 to spring 1659 when he governed Ireland for the Lord Protector, his father Oliver Cromwell, and his elder brother, Richard Cromwell. These letters shed fresh light not only on Henry Cromwell’s Irish administration and the state of Ireland at this time, but via the letters sent to Henry by his London-based correspondents, reveal political developments in England, the workings of the Protectoral central regime and the relationship between the Lord Protector, his Council and parliament. A substantial introductory chapter outlines the life and career of Henry Cromwell, explores his handling of Ireland and highlights the principal and varied Irish and English issues covered within this correspondence.