Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland

The Protectorate, officially the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, was the British republic that lasted from 16 December 1653 to 25 May 1659. The kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with their associated territories were joined together in the Commonwealth of England, governed by a Lord Protector, the head of state. It began when Barebone's Parliament was dissolved, and the Instrument of Government appointed Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth. Cromwell died in September 1658 and was succeeded by his son Richard Cromwell.