These words, reportedly delivered by Cromwell at the dissolution of the second Protectorate Parliament on 4 February 1658, seem to offer a crucial insight into his motives when nominating the Other House. This chapter explores in detail those men nominated by Cromwell to sit in the new parliamentary chamber to see whether they bear out his claims. The first section examines the nomination process: if Cromwell's later assertions are to be verified it is first important to assess whether the membership really was of his own choosing. The core of the chapter then focuses upon those nominated to better understand the complexion of the Other House. It suggests that, on a number of levels, Cromwell's choices ensured that the Other House would be a ‘balance … to themselves’.

The Nomination Process

Cromwell's choice of members was the matter of prolonged speculation. A fortnight after his second investiture on 26 June, there were already indications that he was sounding out candidates. Given that parliament had adjourned until 20 January 1658, however, Cromwell was apparently in no rush to make his choices. Not until late autumn did rumours of impending nominations intensify. Edward Montagu reported to Henry Cromwell on 5 December that ‘the list of the other house is every day expected’, but he knew ‘nothinge of the persons designed for it’. Time was running out. As Thurloe informed Henry on 1 December, ‘there are but 7 or 8 dayes left for the finall resolution, there being a necessitye, that the writs issue 40 dayes before the parliament meets’. Yet, Thurloe believed there was ‘not yet any one man fully resolved upon’. By 9 December one newsletter even reported that ‘the members of the other House (its said) will not be named’.