More than 300 years on, Oliver Cromwell remains one of history’s most well-known figures – the only non-royal ever to hold the position of Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland. Yet how much do we really know about this soldier and statesman, a devout Puritan who was unafraid to use force and ruthlessness to achieve his aims? Historian and TV presenter Ronald Hutton offers a compelling profile of the civil war leader whose actions – including his conquest of Ireland – remain controversial.