1648–52

Charles escaped in late 1647. He promised to make Presbyterianism the established religion in England for a period of three years and thereby gained the support of the Covenanters and many English Presbyterians. Revolts in support of the king broke out in England, and the Scots sent an invading force. Cromwell put down the revolts and defeated the Covenanters at Preston (1648), and Charles was recaptured. Presbyterians were barred from Parliament, an event called Pride's Purge, after Thomas Pride, the army colonel in charge of carrying out the action. The remaining members, constituting what was called the “Rump” Parliament, tried Charles for treason and found him guilty. He was beheaded on January 30, 1649. The Commonwealth was created with Parliament as the ruling authority, but the real power rested with Cromwell and his army.

During 1649–50 Cromwell's army ruthlessly put down a Royalist rebellion in Ireland. Meanwhile Charles's son, who had been proclaimed Charles II by the Scots, landed in Scotland. Cromwell hurried back from Ireland, and his forces, though outnumbered, defeated the Scots at the Battle of Dunbar (1650). One year later they routed the Scots at Worcester, and Charles fled to France. Scotland was subdued in 1652. In 1653 Cromwell dismissed Parliament and assumed the title Lord Protector of England, becoming virtual dictator. (