Commonwealth of England

The republican government which ruled, first England, then the whole of Britain and Ireland during 1649 - 1653? and 1659? - 1660?. The term is also loosely used to describe the system of government during the whole of 1649 - 1660, the years of the Interregnum?, although during 1653 - 1659, the government is properly called the Protectorate? and took the form of direct personal rule by Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector.