Baptist May facts for kids

Baptist May

Baptist May (1628–1698) was an important person who worked closely with King Charles II of England. He was known as one of the king's most trusted friends and helpers. People said he knew how to approach the king without bothering him with too much business.

Early Life and Royal Service

Baptist May was born in a place called Mid Lavant in 1628. His father, Sir Humphrey May, held an important job called Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Baptist was also a cousin of Hugh May, who was a famous architect.

In 1662, Baptist May started working for the king's brother, the Duke of York (who later became King James II). His job was called Groom of the Bedchamber. This meant he was a personal attendant to the Duke.

Three years later, in 1665, he got an even more important job. He became the Keeper of the Privy Purse for King Charles II. This happened thanks to the king's friend, Barbara Palmer. She wanted someone she could trust in that role to make sure her payments from the king were handled quickly.

May's Role in Parliament

Baptist May also tried to become a member of Parliament. The Duke of York suggested him for the area of Winchelsea, but he didn't win that election.

Later, in 1667, he worked with Barbara Palmer to remove a powerful government official named Edward Hyde.

In 1670, he was successfully elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Midhurst. He served in Parliament until 1679. He was elected again in 1690 for Windsor, but he lost that seat a few months later after a challenge.

Trust and Challenges

Even though Baptist May was the Keeper of the Privy Purse, he didn't have full control over all the king's private money. His job mostly involved making regular payments. However, he was very trusted by King Charles II throughout his reign.

May was known for speaking his mind, even if it surprised people. For example, after the Great Fire of London in 1666, he reportedly said that the fire was a good thing because it would make the city easier to control. This comment shocked many people, including the king.

Their friendship was tested in 1679. At that time, a man named Titus Oates claimed that some Catholic members of the Royal Household were planning to kill the king. This caused a lot of anti-Catholic feelings in England. Some politicians in Parliament, known as the Whigs, wanted the king to divorce his queen, Catherine of Braganza, because she had no children. They hoped he would remarry and have a Protestant heir. Baptist May supported the Whigs in this idea. Because of this, he almost lost his job in the king's bedchamber.

Life After Charles II

When King Charles II died in 1685, his brother, the Duke of York, became King James II. King James II removed Baptist May from his job as Keeper of the Privy Purse.

However, May kept his other important role as Ranger of Windsor Great Park. He continued to live at a place that later became known as Cumberland Lodge until he died.

In 1690, he was elected as an MP again, this time for Thetford. He held this seat until the next election in 1695.

Baptist May never married. He passed away in 1698 and was buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

A street in St James's in London, called Babmaes Street, is named after Baptist May.