ABSTRACT
Cromwell’s higher education came to an abrupt end in June 1617, because of the death of Robert Cromwell. Earlier that same month the Cromwells’ personal network expanded as Oliver’s sister Margaret Cromwell married Valentine Walton at St John’s church across the road from the family home. Robert’s death cast a massive pall over the family. Aside from the trauma of a father’s death, which in itself is a life-changing event, the death of the pater familias had enormous legal and fi nancial consequences. Even counting Margaret’s marriage there were still fi ve girls at home, the estate income had not been improved and the male heir was not old enough to inherit control of the estate.
