For the last 75 years the Cromwell Association has organised an annual service of commemoration for the life of Oliver Cromwell, on or near the anniversary of his death on September 3, 1658. 

For many years the service took place by the statue of the Lord Protector outside the Houses of Parliament, but this year it will be held in St Ives.

The service will be held in the Free Church, Market Hill, St Ives at 2.15pm on September 7,  and will be followed by a wreath-laying on the statue immediately outside the church, at approximately 3pm.

St Ives is a town of great significance to Cromwell, as it was here in the 1630s that his religious beliefs developed, after what would now be termed a 'conversion experience'.

The town also boasts a fine statue of Cromwell, shown in civilian clothes, rather than the military apparel of the Westminster statue.

"This is the first time our service has been held in St Ives, and we are delighted that it has been possible.

"We hope that the service will ensure that Cromwell continues to be remembered both locally and nationally”, said John Goldsmith, chair of the Association.

Oliver Cromwell, rose to become Lord Protector from 1653 until his death in 1658, and is one of the most controversial figures in our national history.

Born into what he described as ’obscurity’ in Huntingdon in 1599 he became drawn into politics first as MP for Huntingdon and in 1640 for Cambridge.

Most historians now agree, says Mr Goldsmith, that his own sense of religious conviction drove him to take an active part in parliament’s conflict with the monarchy that ultimately led to the trial and execution of King Charles I in 1649. 

His elevation to the role of Lord Protector, the head of state, followed a bitter campaign in Ireland and victory over the Scots at Dunbar on September 3, 1650 and over an army led by Charles Stuart on September 3,1651.

Cromwell considered September 3 a date of great significance to him, and so it proved with his death at Whitehall on the afternoon of September 3, 1658.

Mr Goldsmith says the service is a simple act of Christian worship, and will be conducted by the Rev Dr Tim Woolley, and the address will be given by Dr David L Smith, on the Lord Protector and the Cavaliers. The service is open to those of all faiths and none.