OCR A Level History A Unit Group 1 British period study and enquiry: The Early Stuarts and the Origins of the Civil War 1603-1660 June 2018 question paper (Y108)

Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that

Cromwell rejected the crown because of opposition from the army.

Source A: The Swedish Ambassador writes to Charles X of Sweden.

All circumstances lead me to believe that he will either try to get the law altered by consent, or that he will very shortly assume the title of king. There are indeed reasons which might hinder such a step. First he would to a great extent alienate himself from the militia and among them some high officers – such as General Lambert and others like him, to say nothing of the Anabaptists who can neither wish nor suffer that the government remain in one family.

Peter Julius Coyet, letter, 1 June 1655

Source B: An old soldier writes to Cromwell about kingship.

I perceive there are a number in Parliament that voted Kingship for you. I likewise perceive that there is a number there (though less) that voted against it, and that the greatest part of the army now near you are against it. I beg and beseech your Highness, nay again and again, with tears and prayers I beseech you to consider what you are doing. … Those that are for a crown, I fear you have little experience of them; the other, most of them, have attended your greatest hazards. The divisions amongst us are like to make us unhappy.

William Bradford, letter, 4 March 1657

Source C: Venetian ambassador in France writes to the government of Venice.

I have paid my respects to the house of Cromwell’s ambassador, when we exchanged compliments. Afterwards he spoke of the Parliament of England. He said they wanted his master to take the title of King of England, but he seemed reluctant to do this since he wields more authority in his present position than he would as King, because he would be obliged to concede and renew many privileges and jurisdictions to Parliament.

Francesco Giustinian, letter, 27 March 1657

Source D: An Irish MP writes to Henry Cromwell.

A committee was appointed for a free conference with his Highness to satisfy him of the reasons and necessity of their demands, and they have several times attended his Highness, laid down their reasons, and yesterday His Highness gave his answer to them. That for his part he values not one name more than another, that he had rather have any name from this Parliament than any name without it, so much doth he value the authority of Parliament. But in respect many godly men that have hazarded their lives in this cause are dissatisfied with it, and Providence having with the old family eradicated the old title, he thinks it his duty to beg of the Parliament not to put upon those good men that which they cannot swallow.

John Bridges, letter, 3 April 1657