Interregnum: Humble Petition and Advice

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Humble Petition and Advice

The Humble Petition and Advice was a constitutional document drawn up by a group of MPs in 1657 under which Lord Protector Cromwell was offered the Crown. It was an attempt by civilian Cromwellians to move back towards traditional forms of government after the failure of various Army-led constitutional experiments, in particular the unpopular rule of the Major Generals. 

The offer of the Crown was intended to limit Cromwell's power rather than extend it because as King his power would be defined by precedent. It would also have legitimsed the constitution since the offer came from an elected Parliament.

  • It was first presented to the Second Protectorate Parliament on 23rd February 1657 by Sir Christopher Packe…

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