Where is Cromwell's Head Today? The Long and Bizarre Journey of a Regicide's Remains

Where is Cromwell's Head Today? The Long and Bizarre Journey of a Regicide's Remains

The question "Where is Cromwell's head today?" is one that has fascinated historians and morbidly curious individuals for centuries. The story of Oliver Cromwell's head is not a simple one; it's a tale filled with beheadings, exhumations, vengeful acts, and a remarkable journey across England and even across the Atlantic before its current resting place. For the average American reader, the narrative of this English Civil War figure might be less familiar than those of their own founding fathers, but the macabre history of his remains is undeniably compelling.

Who Was Oliver Cromwell?

Before we delve into the fate of his head, it's important to understand who Oliver Cromwell was. Born in 1599, Cromwell rose to prominence as a military leader in the English Civil War. He was a key figure in the Parliamentarian victory over the Royalists, and after the execution of King Charles I in 1649, he became the de facto ruler of England, Scotland, and Ireland, serving as Lord Protector from 1653 until his death in 1658.

Cromwell was a complex figure – a devout Puritan, a brilliant military strategist, and a controversial leader whose rule was marked by both significant reforms and harsh suppression, particularly in Ireland.

The Post-Mortem Humiliation

Cromwell died on September 3, 1658, likely from malaria or a bladder infection. He was given a lavish state funeral, a testament to his power and influence. However, his reign was not universally popular, and his death marked the beginning of a period of instability. Just two years after Cromwell's death, the monarchy was restored with the return of Charles II, the son of the executed King Charles I.

The new regime was eager to erase Cromwell's legacy and make a strong statement against treason. In a macabre act of posthumous retribution, known as the "Act of Attainder," Cromwell's body, along with those of his son-in-law Henry Ireton and John Bradshaw (the judge who presided over Charles I's trial), was exhumed from Westminster Abbey on January 30, 1661, the anniversary of Charles I's execution.

The bodies were subjected to a public spectacle. They were hanged at Tyburn, a notorious execution site, and then their heads were severed. Cromwell's head was then impaled on a spike above Westminster Hall, a grim warning to anyone who dared to challenge the restored monarchy.

The Head's Long and Winding Journey

This is where the story truly becomes a historical detective case. While the heads of Ireton and Bradshaw were left to decay on their spikes, Cromwell's head did not remain a permanent fixture at Westminster Hall. The exact timeline of its removal and subsequent movements is a matter of historical debate, but the generally accepted account is as follows:

• Around 1685: After nearly 25 years of exposure, Cromwell's head was reportedly stolen from its spike. Various theories exist about who took it, with some suggesting sympathizers of the Cromwellian cause or even grave robbers looking for a unique souvenir.
• A Period of Private Ownership: For the next century and a half, Cromwell's head passed through the hands of several private collectors. It was displayed, hidden, and likely traded like a prized (albeit grisly) possession. During this time, it is believed to have been housed in various locations, including in the possession of the Russell family, Earls of Bedford, and later in the collection of Sir Jonathan Dowse.
• The Cambridge Connection: One prominent theory suggests that Cromwell's head ended up in the possession of John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford, who owned land in Cambridgeshire. It is believed that he passed it on to his daughter, who was married to Sir Jonathan Dowse. Dowse was a collector and a member of the Royal Society.
• The Sidney Sussex College Acquisition: The most widely accepted narrative concludes with the head's acquisition by Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. The story goes that in 1765, a retired army officer named Thomas Webb presented the head to the Master of Sidney Sussex College, Reverend William Ellery Channing. Webb claimed to have acquired it from a family that had kept it in their possession for generations.

Where is Cromwell's Head Today?

Today, Oliver Cromwell's head is believed to be interred within the grounds of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. While it is not on public display, it is understood to be housed in a secret location within the college, possibly in a chapel or crypt. The college has never officially confirmed its exact whereabouts, adding to the mystique and enduring interest in the regicide's head.

Over the years, there have been attempts to scientifically verify the authenticity of the head, including carbon dating. These studies have generally supported the belief that the head is indeed Oliver Cromwell's, dating it to the correct period. However, without exhumation and definitive proof, its location remains a matter of historical consensus rather than absolute certainty.

The journey of Oliver Cromwell's head is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of political power and the enduring impact of historical events. From a symbol of defiance and treason to a collector's item and finally a hidden artifact, its story is a unique chapter in British history that continues to capture the imagination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How did Oliver Cromwell's head get separated from his body?

Oliver Cromwell's body was exhumed from Westminster Abbey in 1661, two years after his death, as an act of posthumous punishment by the restored monarchy. His head was severed from his body and displayed publicly as a warning.

Why was Cromwell's head displayed on a spike?

Displaying the head of Oliver Cromwell, a key figure in the execution of King Charles I, on a spike above Westminster Hall was a deliberate act of vengeance and a symbolic demonstration of the restoration of the monarchy. It was meant to be a powerful deterrent against any further republican or anti-monarchist sentiment.

How did the head end up at Sidney Sussex College?

The commonly accepted story is that after being stolen from its spike and passing through several private collectors, the head was presented to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, in 1765 by an army officer who claimed to have inherited it. The college has since kept its precise location a closely guarded secret.

Has the authenticity of Cromwell's head ever been proven?

While definitive proof would require further examination and potentially exhumation, scientific studies, including carbon dating, have been conducted on the head. These studies have generally supported its authenticity and its dating to the period of Oliver Cromwell's life.