Arthur Haselrig - Parliament Against Lambert

Parliament Against Lambert

On Cromwell's death Haselrig refused support to Richard Cromwell, and was instrumental in his downfall. He was elected MP for Leicester for the Third Protectorate Parliament in 1659 and became one of the most influential men in both the Council of State and Parliament. He tried to keep a republican Parliamentary administration, "to keep the sword subservient to the civil magistrate". He opposed the schemes of John Lambert who was resisting parliamentary control over the military. One noted altercation has Lambert complaining that the army was being held at mercy... Hesilrige replied that "You are only at the mercy of Parliament who are your friends" To which Lambert replied "I know not why they should not be at our mercy as well as we at theirs" Anger at the independence of the army resulted in nine leading officers, including Lambert, beinge cashiered. Lambert reacted by calling out the army and blocking all routes to parliament and put guards upon its doors.

After Lambert had halted Parliament, Haselrig decided to restore Parliament. The strength of the army in London called for another location, and for a variety of reasons Portsmouth was chosen. Portsmouth had strong parliamentary traditions and had always maintained independence from the army, it benefitted from defensible fortifications on its land side and the support of Admiral Lawson ensured that the city would not fall easily to a protracted siege, Hesilrage also knew the area well having campaigned around Hampshire during the civil war. The newly appointed governor Whetham was a republican who had declared that his men would support him. Whetham was a friend of General Monck in Scotland who had the best forces in Britain at his disposal and who had declared himself for parliament in October. On 4 December 1659 Hesilrage met with his allies in the Red Lion Inn having arrived at 4 in the afternoon. By the next day a declaration was posted calling for citizens to "restore Parliament to their former freedom, being the peoples indubitable and undoubted birthright" Hurst Castle and the Isle of wight soon declared for Parliament. The military government, which was now named the Committee of Safety, despatched a force hoping that pro army members would open the gates. However the Commander of the army Colonel Rich entered into negotiations and his men decided to join Hesilrige. Word soon spread and soon Hull and Plymouth were recorded to be going the same way. The army council unsure of support of its troops restored the Rump Parliament by 26 December. On the 29 December Hesilrige marched to London and entering parliament still in his riding clothes. Hesilrage was at the height of his power as the major figure in a restored republic and was appointed to the Council of State on 2 January 1660. On 11 February he became a commissioner for the army.