Cromwell Bridget (1624–c. 1660)

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Cromwell Bridget (1624–c. 1660)

Daughter of Oliver Cromwell. Name variations: Bridget Fleetwood. Baptized Aug 5, 1624, in Huntingdon, England; died soon after the Restoration (1660), date of death unknown; dau. of Oliver Cromwell (English soldier and Lord Protector) and Elizabeth (Bourchier) Cromwell; sister of Mary, Countess of Falconberg (1636–1712); m. General Henry Ireton (1611–1651); m. Charles Fleetwood, (c. 1618–1692), June 8, 1652; children: (1st m.) Bridget Bendish (c. 1650–1726); Jane Ireton; Elizabeth Ireton; (2nd m.) Anne (died young), possibly others who also died young.

At 22, married Henry Ireton, a soldier and her father's loyal supporter; shortly after Ireton was killed (1652), a victim of Irish warfare, married Charles Fleetwood, who helped Cromwell govern England; after father died, was often torn in her loyalties between her husband and her brothers who were in opposition.

See also Women in World History.