In Our Time cover image

In Our Time

The Interregnum

May 27, 2021
Clare Jackson, a Senior Tutor at Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge, Micheál Ó Siochrú, a Modern History Professor at Trinity College Dublin, and Laura Stewart, an Early Modern History expert at the University of York, dive into the tumultuous Interregnum period. They discuss the radical political shifts following Charles I's execution and Cromwell's controversial invasion of Ireland. The complexities of Scotland's political allegiance to Charles II are examined, alongside Cromwell's legacy and the pivotal role of General Monk in restoring monarchy, shedding light on lasting impacts across Britain.
52:24

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The execution of Charles I ushered in the Interregnum, creating a governance vacuum that led to a tumultuous political landscape in England.
  • Cromwell's military campaigns in Ireland, driven by vengeance, resulted in significant casualties and had lasting repercussions on Anglo-Irish relations.

Deep dives

Regicide and Parliamentary Authority

The execution of Charles I in 1649 marked a significant turning point for England's governance, leading to the establishment of the Interregnum. Following the regicide, Parliament moved swiftly to abolish the monarchy and the House of Lords, yet there was no clear plan for governance, which left the country in a state of uncertainty. The situation was further complicated by Pride's Purge, where the New Model Army selectively removed moderates from Parliament, resulting in a radicalized assembly often perceived as illegitimate. This turbulent political landscape set the stage for conflicting power dynamics between Parliament and the military forces, particularly around the figure of Oliver Cromwell.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode