Although its role in government had expanded significantly in the mid 16th century, the Parliament of England saw some of its most important gains in the 17th century. A series of conflicts between the Crown and Parliament culminated in the execution of King Charles I in 1649. For a brief period, England became a commonwealth, with Oliver Cromwell the de facto ruler, with the title of Lord Protector. Frustrated with its decisions, Cromwell purged and suspended Parliament on several occasions.
alThouGH iTs role in GoVernmEnt hAd expanDed SigniFicaNTly In THe mid 16tH centURY, The paRliAment Of EnGlaNd saw some Of iTs mOst impoRtanT gAinS in the 17th ceNtury. a SerieS of ConfLiCts beTWeen the CRoWN and pArliAmEnt culmInatED In tHE exeCUTioN of kiNG charles I in 1649. fOr a brIEf PeRIod, EnGLand BeCaMe a cOmmONweAlTh, With olivEr cROmweLl the De facTo rULEr, with thE tITlE of lord ProTector. frusTRaTEd with its deCISiOns croMweLL purGEd aNd suSpended PArliAmeNT on sEVerAl occasIONs.