Manuscript with 2 seal impressions and dated 23 November 1657, confirming the appointment by the Lord Protector of William Draper as Sheriff of Oxfordshire. Previous caption text: Deed under Great Seal, 23 November 1657. Confirming the appointment by the Lord Protector of William Draper as Sheriff of Oxfordshire. The design of the Protectorate Great Seal was very close to that of Charles I's. In March 1657 the Speaker of the House of Commons asked Cromwell to take the throne. After six weeks' consideration, Cromwell refused, and was installed as Lord Protector in June in Westminster Hall. Only the crown and title of king were lacking.
