Oliver Cromwell (Lord Protector) governed England from 1653-1658. He led the parliamentary forces to victory in the English Civil War and took over after the execution of Charles I.

Cromwell was seen as a radical Protestant, a follower of the Puritan tradition (seen as excessively strict regarding religious and moral matters). Cromwell wanted people to live pure lives and follow simple forms of religious doctrine and worship.

Under Cromwell's reign some restrictions came in terms of activities and entertainments in the 17th century. The demonstrates the central role that government has in classifying crime. Laws passed under the Protectorate banned and criminalised very ordinary acts (see next slide). Once the Protectorate was over the banned activities became legal again.