Lord Broghill and the Cromwellian Union with Ireland and Scotland: 2

Broghill's years of political influence included a distinctive initiative in Ireland in the early 1650s calling for limits on army power, religious radicalism, and urging closer ties with England; domestic reforms and keen promotion of the Cromwellian regime in Scotland, of which he was president during 1655-6; and in 1656-7 the introduction of the Humble Petition and Advice, which sought to re-establish a civilian state, with Oliver Cromwell as king. Cromwell's refusal of the crown marked the beginning of the end of Broghill's political aspirations, and here these years of influence are seen in the context of the rest of his life, especially his early years as understudy of his father, the 1st earl of Cork, and his later life, as earl of Orrery. A thematic section deals with Broghill's private motives: the importance of his extended family, his financial situation, and, above all, his deep religious beliefs. PATRICK LITTLE is Senior Research Fellow, History of Parliament Trust.