31 July

This is Oliver Cromwell’s actual head. Cromwell led the parliamentary forces in the English Civil War of the 17th century, that removed the monarchy and House of Lords, and decapitated Charles I. He then took control of Britain, even living in the King’s old palaces. When he died power passed to his son, who was quickly deposed by those wanting to restore the monarchy, under Charles II. The new King had Cromwell’s body dug up from Westminster Abbey, and hung outside (executed after death). He then had the body beheaded, and put the head on a 20-foot stake outside the Tower of London for nearly 30 years. Never piss off a king.