FLEETWOOD, CHARLES ( ?-1692). An Eng lish Parliamentary soldier. He was studying at Gray's Inn at the outbreak of hostilities between Charles I. and the Parliamentary forces, and joined the latter, enrolling in 1642 as a private trooper in the life-guard of the Earl of Essex, but was promoted rapidly and was colonel of a regiment of horse at Naseby. In 1646 he entered the house of Commons, and took a prominent part in the quarrel between Parliament and the army in 1647, being one of the officers appointed by the army to treat with the Parliamentary commissioners. He took no part in the King's trial, but accompanied Cromwell to Scotland in 1650, participated in the battle of Dunbar, and as a lieutenant-general commanded the cavalry at the defeat of Charles II. at Worcester, in 1651. In 1652 he married Cromwell's daughter, Brid get, the widow of Ireton, and was made com mander-in-chief of the Parliamentary forces in Ireland, which position he retained until 1655, the last year with the rank of Lord Deputy. He ardently supported the proclamation of the Pro tectorate. His rule in Ireland was not a success,
and Cromwell recalled him in 1655, although he continued to hold the title of Lord Deputy until succeeded by Henry Cromwell in 1657. In 1655 Fleetwood was one of the major-generals ap pointed to look after the interior administra tion of the realm. He opposed the proposal to make Cromwell King, was a member of the newly constituted House of Lords, and supported the Protector in all his later quarrels with Parlia ment. After Cromwell's death he was accused of attempting to succeed him as Lord Protector, and although he gave his support to Richard Cromwell, he was constantly the centre of the army intrigues to supplant him. He was com missioned commander-in-chief of the army in 1659. Ile took no part in the restoration of Charles 11., but did not oppose it, and as a re sult was included in the Act of Indemnity, being merely incapacitated from holding office. lie lived for 32 years after the Restoration, but did not again take part in public affairs.