Things you may not know about Oliver Cromwell Oliver Cromwell in
brief When Oliver Cromwell was born in Huntingdon in 1599, there
was nothing to show that he would become one of the most
influential men in the history of Britain. His parents belonged
to the lower ranks of the gentry and he grew up to be a famer
and minor landowner. In his 30s, he turned strongly to
Puritanism and, in parliament, become known for his outspoken
views on the monarchy and the Church. However, it was his
success as a soldier in the Civil Wars that lifted him to power.
Although Cromwell had no previous training as a soldier, as a
cavalry officer he rose through the ranks of the Parliamentarian
Army to become one of its leading commanders. He also supported
lower-class men being promoted to commands, if they were godly
and capable, making a stir among the generals! Cromwell was good
at tactics and strategy. He was key in parliament's victory at
Marston Moor in 1644 and Naseby in 1645. Cromwell appeared to
have an amazing ability to