f sailors into the navy. There has certainly been no invasion of England since, so is the defence of a nation not an achievement for the Rump? They had seen a threat and dealt with it swiftly and efficiently.The actual members of the Rump too need to be examined. They had been left by Pride’s Purge from the parliament which stood without election since 1641. Considering that people would not enter Parliament until at least their thirties, and that the average life-span was approximately forty-five, it can be inferred that a number of members were close to the end of their lives. These people may not have always had Parliamentary matters on their minds, having to brave still harsh conditions, some did not even attend.The Rump faced stern opposition from domestic enemies also. It was attacked by extremists who wanted the revolution taken a great deal further, and also by Presbyterians and Royalists who wanted Charles II brought to the throne. This claim was well supported as popular memory of his father’s execution remained sour in the mouths of contemporaries who saw him as a martyr.The Rump did delve into social reform as they had been required to do so. They made every effort to rid the country of extremists and dangerous sects, arresting leveller leaders and putting down cults such as the Ranters. Acts were passed against adultery and blasphemy. It can be argued however that these can hardly be labelled as achievements. Laws against blasphemy were very difficult to enforce, and are such acts worthy of months in Parliament?Disputably the Rump’s biggest threat came from within the United Kingdom. There had been rebellion in Ireland for almost ten years and the Scots had continuously invaded England in the civil wars, both could provide a strong base for Charles II to establish a foothold. Cromwell was sent to stop the rebellion in Ireland in March 1649, not arriving until August. This delay may well have ...
