Oliver Cromwell and Huntingdon

Oliver Cromwell and Huntingdon. . Huntingdon was the birthplace and family home of Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), the 17th century soldier and statesman. Between 1610 and 1616 Cromwell was educated at the local grammar school which was located in this building., Cromwell lived in Huntingdon until 1631. He was elected as a Member of Parliament in 1640 and became a soldier in Parliament's army at the outbreak of Civil War in 1642. He rose through the ranks to become one of the most important and talented commanders of his day. His military importance was reflected in his growth in political power, playing a key role in the trial of King Charles I in 1649. Subsequently he went on to become Lord Protector, the first commoner to be an English Head of State., Today this building is home to the Cromwell Museum, which holds the best collection in the world of items relating to Oliver Cromwell's life and times. It tells the story of this controversial but hugely influential figure 'warts and all'., You can explore Cromwell's links to Huntingdon and many of its historic buildings through a free trail leaflet available from the Museum., Did you know?... Much of this building dates from the 12th century when it was a hospital run by monks. Then, it was much bigger than what remains today. In the 16th century, parts of the original building were demolished when it became a grammar school for boys. In 1962 it became the Cromwell Museum.