[BlackElk]

That was Charles II, the Merry Monarch. James II succeeded his brother Charles II. Charles II could not hang Oliver Cromwell during Cromwell's life. He did the next best thing and hanged the remains from a tripod outside the gates to the City of London. Eventually Cromwell's head disappeared in a storm. Rumor has it that the skull was stripped and covered in molten silver with the top removed to serve as a ceremonial drinking cup for private but formal royal family occasions. Hopefully, the rumor is true.

Nathan Bedford Forrest, OTOH, was an honorable man, a brilliant soldier and military leader, and a distinguished citizen. Memphis is proving that it was not fit to have his remains in its cemetery.

[TIElniff]

You’re right (I looked it up after I posted that note).

According to Wikipedia, Cromwell’s skull was posted on a pole in front of Westminster Hall for the next 25 (!) years:

“Cromwell’s severed head was displayed on a pole outside Westminster Hall until 1685. Afterwards it allegedly was owned by various people and was publicly exhibited several times. Afterwards, the head changed hands several times, including its sale in 1814 to Josiah Henry Wilkinson, before eventually being buried beneath the floor of the antechapel at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, in 1960. The exact position was not publicly disclosed, but as noted below a plaque marks the approximate location.”