- 25
Cromwell, Oliver
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- The Government of the Common-wealth of England, Scotland, & Ireland And the Dominions thereto belonging; As it was publickly declared at Westminster the 16 day of December 1653. William du-Gard and Henry Hill, 1653
- Paper
folio (259 x 169mm.), some loss of text on last leaf, slightly browned
Literature
ESTC R209532; Thomason, E.1063[5]; Wing G1456F
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The first written constitution in the English-speaking world.
The Instrument of Government was drafted by Major-General John Lambert in 1653 and adopted by the Council of Officers when the Nominated Assembly surrended its powers to Oliver Cromwell in December of that year (Cromwell's oath on becoming Lord Protector is reproduced here on the last leaf). The Instrument was intended to provide a legal basis for government after the parliamentary failures of the Civil War; its immediate effect was to legitimise the power of Cromwell and his generals.
Parliament ultimately refused to accept the Instrument as the basis of its authority and it was superseded in 1657 by the Humble Petition and Advice (see next lot).
The Instrument of Government was drafted by Major-General John Lambert in 1653 and adopted by the Council of Officers when the Nominated Assembly surrended its powers to Oliver Cromwell in December of that year (Cromwell's oath on becoming Lord Protector is reproduced here on the last leaf). The Instrument was intended to provide a legal basis for government after the parliamentary failures of the Civil War; its immediate effect was to legitimise the power of Cromwell and his generals.
Parliament ultimately refused to accept the Instrument as the basis of its authority and it was superseded in 1657 by the Humble Petition and Advice (see next lot).