Join Us for Our Last Talk Before Christmas – Did Cromwell Cancel Christmas?

Please join us for our final talk of the year, just in time for the festive season, on a truly Christmas-themed subject! Oliver Cromwell is famous for many reasons – as a soldier, statesman, and head of state. A devoted family man with deep faith, he also faced occasional battles with ill health. He helped shape England’s future by strengthening Parliamentary power, developing the army and navy, and promoting greater religious freedom than ever before. By the time of his death in 1658, England had been re-established as a major European power.

Yet Cromwell remains one of history’s most controversial figures. His campaigns in Ireland and the destruction of religious imagery have sparked debate, and some stories – like the idea that he personally “banned Christmas” – have become enduring myths.

Join us to explore the truth behind this festive tale and discover how Cromwell’s life, legacy, and the questions he wrestled with about faith, freedom, and democracy still resonate today.

About the Speaker: Stuart Orme
Stuart is Curator of the Cromwell Museum. He has a History degree from the University of York and postgraduate qualifications in Education (University of Exeter) and Museum Studies (University of Leicester). Stuart spent over fourteen years leading heritage interpretation and programmes for Peterborough Museum, Flag Fen Bronze Age site, and Longthorpe Tower, and developing the city’s Heritage Festival. He also served as Director of Operations at Peterborough Cathedral before taking up his current role in 2018.