Regarding the siege of Drogheda, I don't think Cromwell massacred the civilian population. The reasons are as follows:
1) Plundering and excess butchery was strictly forbidden in the New Model Army. Cromwell was particularly adamant in enforcing this rule, even executing two loyal officers for stealing chickens.
2) The stories of the so-called massacre were created by Catholic monarchists who would cheerfully make up anything they wanted about Cromwell to make him look bad.
Cromwell was aware of the stories, and would vehemently deny ever committing such atrocities when asked about it. Now, do I think civilians died during the siege? Yes, of course they did. But Cromwell did NOT order his men to butcher unarmed civilians.
Regarding the siege of Drogheda, I don't think Cromwell massacred the civilian population. The reasons are as follows:
1) Plundering and excess butchery was strictly forbidden in the New Model Army. Cromwell was particularly adamant in enforcing this rule, even executing two loyal officers for stealing chickens.
2) The stories of the so-called massacre were created by Catholic monarchists who would cheerfully make up anything they wanted about Cromwell to make him look bad.
Cromwell was aware of the stories, and would vehemently deny ever committing such atrocities when asked about it. Now, do I think civilians died during the siege? Yes, of course they did. But Cromwell did NOT order his men to butcher unarmed civilians.