Cromwell's Other House facts for kids

The Other House (also known as the Upper House or House of Lords) was an important part of the English Parliament in 1658 and 1659. It was created by Oliver Cromwell, who was the leader of England at the time, during a period called the Protectorate. This house worked alongside another group of lawmakers to create rules for England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

History of the Other House

Why a Second House Was Needed

During Cromwell's rule, many people felt that Parliament needed a second group of members. This was because the main group of lawmakers, called the Lower House, was sometimes hard to control. Cromwell himself wanted a second house to help balance the power. He thought it would be a "great security" for the country.

Creating the Other House

In March 1656, the Lower House agreed to create this new second house. It would have up to 70 members chosen by Oliver Cromwell.

Cromwell was offered the title of King, but he turned it down. However, he accepted a new set of rules called the Humble Petition and Advice. This document officially made the Other House a permanent part of the government. It stated that the house would have between 40 and 70 members. These members would be chosen by Cromwell for life.

Important judges from the time were also asked to help the new house.

Challenges and Disagreements

It was quite hard to find people to join the Other House. Many of the old noble families who were asked refused to sit in it. For example, Lord Eure was the only traditional peer who agreed to join. To show his disapproval, Sir Arthur Hesilrige chose to sit in the Lower House instead. Out of 63 people Cromwell chose, only 42 accepted, and even fewer showed up for the first meeting.

When Parliament met again in January 1658, there were big arguments. Some members in the Lower House did not want the second house to exist at all. They even argued for five days about what to call it – "House of Lords" or "Other House." Cromwell warned them that their fighting was helping those who wanted the old monarchy back. But they kept disagreeing. So, on February 4, 1658, Cromwell closed Parliament down.

After Cromwell's Death

After Oliver Cromwell died in September 1658, people who had been part of the Other House were sometimes called "Lord." For example, Philip Skippon was called "Lord Skipton." But those who had not taken their seats, like George Monck, were not given this title.

The next Parliament, in 1659, also had a second chamber. However, many lawmakers in the Lower House were suspicious of its members. They thought some might secretly support the return of the King. Parliament soon became stuck, unable to agree on important matters. Richard Cromwell, Oliver's son and the new leader, dissolved Parliament. After this, the Other House never met again.

People Nominated by Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell sent out official letters to people he wanted to join the Other House. Here is part of one of those letters:

Oliver, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Domynions and Territories thereunto belonging. To our trusty and wellbeloved Sonne Lord Richard Cromwell, Greeting.—— Whereas by the advise and assent of our Councell for certain greate and weighty affaires concerning toe the state and defence of the saide Comonwealth, We ordayned our present parliament to be held at our City of Westminster, the seventeenth day of September, in the yeare of our Lorde one thousand six hundred fiftie and six, and there to consult and advise with the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of our said comonwealth, which Parliament was then and there held, and continued until the six and twentieth day of June last past, and then Adjourned until the twentieth day of January now next coming: Therefore we command and firmely enjoyne you, that considering the difficultie of the said affaires and eminent dangers, all excuses being left aside, you be personally present att Weftminster aforesaid the said twentieth day of January next comeinge, there to treate, conferr, and give your advise with us and with the Greate Men and Nobles in and concerninge the affaires aforesaid. And this as you Love and Honor our safety and the defence of the commonwealth aforefaid, you shall in noe wise omitt. Witness ourselfe at Westminster, the nynth day of December, in the yeare of our Lord one thousand six hundred fifty and seaven.

Lett the like writts be directed to the respective persons under written, dated as aforefaid (to wit)

Here are some of the notable people Cromwell nominated to the Other House: