A 15-month period (1655-57) of direct military government, in conjunction with Oliver Cromwell, during the Protectorate. Military rule was imposed with the help of a 'decimation tax' of 10 per cent on all royalists, and the regime imposed stringent restrictions on those it considered to be enemies of the state, as well as trying to lead a period of moral reform.
Rule of the Major-Generals
Fact of the Day
In the sixteenth century, more people were killed by sheep than by dogs.
Quote of the Day
"Foul as it is, hell itself is made more foul by the presence of John.
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~ Matthew Paris (13th century chronicler) on King John
On This Day
1429 A French force led by Joan of Arc lifted the seven-month-long Siege of Orléans.
1559 Elizabeth I gave her approval to the Acts of Uniformity and Supremacy, establishing a middle of the road Protestant faith for the whole country, banning Catholicism and enforcing church attendance, and confirming Elizabeth as the head of the Church of England.
1660 Charles II was proclaimed king of England. The British monarchy was restored after the English Civil War.
1701 Captain Kidd went on trial for murder and piracy on the high seas. He was found guilty and hanged 15 days later.
1903 French post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin died of an accidental drug overdose, aged 54.
1945 VE Day: The Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany, bringing an end to war in Europe.
1952 Women in Greece were granted the right to vote.