Oliver Cromwell, the Puritan republican who overthrew the British crown, has been revealed as a closet metrosexual by scientists.

Previously known for being an austere, reserved figure, scientists from Exeter University have found the Lord Protector liked to use luxurious, perfumed cosmetics.

As reported by newspaper The Telegraph, tests were performed on a collection of pots found to be owned by the man who ruled the isle from 1653-58 after the English Civil War.