Why Was The Rule Of The Major Generals Introduced?

• 1655 was a critical year for the Protectorate.
• Parliament failed to accept the Instrument of Government and were sent home thereby paralysing government
• The Protectorate was challenged by royalist and republican plots like the Penruddock’s uprising
• Rule of Major Generals was a temporary measure to prevent civil unrest ,administer the localities and introduce a godly reformation
• Often treated as single system but reality was different
• Each Major general ran his area as he wished
• Whalley, Kelsey and Worsley were renown for their sense of duty and industry
• Fleetwood and Lambert left work to deputies because of other duties
• Boteler operated just within the law