Henry Ireton

Timeline

1. 1642–1645Naseby · NorthamptonshireAfter the outbreak of the Civil War he joined the Parliamentary army and commanded cavalry at Edgehill in November 1642. He met Cromwell in 1643, became Deputy Governor of the Isle of Ely the following year, and fought at Marston Moor. On the eve of Naseby he led a surprise attack on the Royalist army; the next day, on Cromwell's recommendation, he was promoted to Commissary-General and given command of the left wing. Rupert's charge broke his position, and he was wounded and captured, but was released after the Parliamentary army's victory.
2. 1645–1647Reading / Putney · LondonElected MP for Appleby in October 1645, he married Cromwell's eldest daughter Bridget on 15 June 1646. In the summer of 1647 he drafted the Heads of the Proposals with Lambert and others, advocating a limited monarchy, regular parliaments, and religious toleration. At the Putney Debates he opposed the Levellers' Agreement of the People and its broad suffrage on grounds of property rights and order, becoming the theoretical core of the Independents in the army.
3. 1648–1649Westminster · LondonIn the Second Civil War he took part in operations at Colchester and elsewhere, concluded that Charles I could not be trusted, and pushed for a rupture between army and Parliament. He was a key instigator of Pride's Purge and signed the king's death warrant. After Charles I's execution in January 1649 the Republic was established, and Ireton transferred to the Irish theater.
4. 1649–1651Limerick · LimerickHe entered Ireland with Cromwell in 1649 and took part in actions such as Drogheda. After Cromwell returned to England in May 1650, Parliament confirmed him as Lord Deputy in July, charging him with taking the remaining towns and suppressing Tory guerrillas. Known for strict military discipline, he contracted a fever and died during the Siege of Limerick; the unfinished conquest was completed by his successors.