Over the years the Tithe Office, where Oliver would have worked from during his time living here, has hosted a wide range of events, meetings and even Ely’s Escape Room!
On the 22nd April 2022, we were thrilled to host Author and Academic Miranda Malins. Miranda has crafted, with masterful skill, two novels focusing on Oliver Cromwell’s daughters. The Rebel Daughter and the Puritan Princess have captivated readers since their respective releases and when the opportunity arose for Miranda to host an event at Oliver Cromwell’s House, both parties couldn’t wait!
On a fairly warm Friday evening, and with the thoughts of cancelled events in the back of minds, there was a certain anticipation laced with inevitable nervousness, Oliver Cromwell’s House welcomed the steady stream of ticket holders who took their seats in the Oak Panelled office eagerly anticipating an engaging and entertaining evening. They would not leave disappointed.
From Miranda beginning with a reading from The Rebel Daughter, which focused on Oliver Cromwell’s House and the family’s interactions with a Royalist uprising, through her brief yet informative lecture on Cromwell’s Family life, to the reading from The Puritan Princess which was, in the excerpt, occurring in the very room in which the reading was taking place. To describe it as moving and magical, is not a farfetched claim.
The latter part of the evening, once wine had been served and attendees had chatted amongst themselves and with Miranda, the “In Conversation” element of the event took place. Miranda comfortably and confidently answered the questions posed, with ease and reassurance the conversation flowed offering a glimpse into her love and fascination with Cromwell, his life and times, his family and his former home.
The evening ended with a note concerning time, fearing an overrun and Miranda having had a very long day (despite this, it was Matthew who was conducting the interview who called the proceedings to a close, Miranda being so engaging and enthusiastic, she could have easily continued and the gathered audience would have happily be swept along) The final comment was one of mutual admiration when Miranda said she would return whenever Oliver Cromwell’s House wanted her to, and the Oliver Cromwell’s House team echoing that she would always be welcomed.
Miranda left a number of books signed, ready for sale in the gift shop and as the team closed the door, the energy and joy that this event had produced lingered long into the night.
An evening of conversation with Miranda Malins
Visit Ely are based at Oliver Cromwell’s House in Ely, and that means we are frequently lucky to meet people associated with both Ely and also Oliver Cromwell.
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