The mid-17th century was the most turbulent period in
English political history, encompassing civil war, the
execution of a reigning monarch, and the Interregnum of
Oliver Cromwell. It was also unique in having a single
Parliament throughout the entire period - the so-called
Long Parliament, which first met on 3 November 1640,
and was finally dissolved on 16 March 1660, after the
monarchy was restored.
Although never officially dissolved during this period, the Long Parliament nevertheless went through several incarnations. It was purged by Cromwell and the army in 1648 - becoming the so-called 'Rump' in the process - and was dismissed altogether by Cromwell in 1653. However, the Rump was reinstated in 1659, and the full parliament was recalled in 1660.
