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This is a plaster cast of Cromwell's wax death mask, made after the Lord Protector's death in 1658 (the Wax death mask can be seen in the British Museum).

A controversial figure to many Cromwell had a large impact on the history of Britain. Initally this was as a Leader in the Parliamentarian 'New Model Army' that defeated the Royalists during the English Civil War.

After the execution of Charles I in 1649, Cromwell's influence on the government of the country continued to grow until 1653 when he was named 'Lord Protector' - a King in all but name, when Parliament was dissolved. This position of power lasted until his death in 1658, when this mask was made.

Although Cromwell never came to Bradford it was a Parliamentarian town during the Civil War. Ironically the mask is now displayed in Bolling Hall, which was a Royalist stronghold (overlooking the town) during the siege of Bradford.

This mask allows us face our past, literally!