<P> The Civil War culminated in the execution of the king in 1649 , the overthrow of the English monarchy , and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England . Charles I 's son , Charles II , was proclaimed King of Great Britain in Scotland , but he was forced to flee abroad after he invaded England and was defeated at the Battle of Worcester . In 1653 , Oliver Cromwell , the most prominent military and political leader in the nation , seized power and declared himself Lord Protector ( effectively becoming a military dictator , but refusing the title of king ) . Cromwell ruled until his death in 1658 , when he was succeeded by his son Richard . The new Lord Protector had little interest in governing ; he soon resigned . The lack of clear leadership led to civil and military unrest , and for a popular desire to restore the monarchy . In 1660 , the monarchy was restored and Charles II returned to Britain . </P>
<P> The Civil War culminated in the execution of the king in 1649 , the overthrow of the English monarchy , and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England . Charles I 's son , Charles II , was proclaimed King of Great Britain in Scotland , but he was forced to flee abroad after he invaded England and was defeated at the Battle of Worcester . In 1653 , Oliver Cromwell , the most prominent military and political leader in the nation , seized power and declared himself Lord Protector ( effectively becoming a military dictator , but refusing the title of king ) . Cromwell ruled until his death in 1658 , when he was succeeded by his son Richard . The new Lord Protector had little interest in governing ; he soon resigned . The lack of clear leadership led to civil and military unrest , and for a popular desire to restore the monarchy . In 1660 , the monarchy was restored and Charles II returned to Britain . </P>
who was the only ruler of britain who ruled instead of a king or queen
who was the only ruler of britain who ruled instead of a king or queen
Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell