Rump Parliament

Rump Parliament, in English civil war, remaining members of Parliament after “Pride's Purge” (led by Col. Thomas Pride) ejected all opposition to Oliver Cromwell's army (1648). These 60 members created a high court that tried King Charles I and had him executed (1649), abolished the House of Lords and monarchy, and established a ruling Council of State. The Rump Parliament itself was dissolved (1653) by Cromwell in his consolidation of power.

See also: Cromwell, Oliver.