Cornelis de Witt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cornelis de Witt
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Cornelis de Witt as victor during the 2nd War with the English, c. 1669, by Jan de Baen
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Cornelis de Witt
15 June 1623 |
| Died | 20 August 1672 (aged 49) |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Other names | Cornelius de Witt |
| Occupation | Regent / Mayor, Governor and Landlord |
| Political party | States Faction |
| Spouse(s) | Maria van Berckel |
| Children | Wilhelmina |
| Parent(s) |
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| Relatives | Johan de Witt (brother) Andries de Witt (uncle) |
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Cornelis de Witt (15 June 1623 – 20 August 1672) was an important Dutch politician and naval leader during the Golden Age. He was a strong supporter of the Dutch States Party, which was against the power of the House of Orange. In 1672, a very difficult year known as the Rampjaar, he was killed along with his brother Johan de Witt by an angry crowd. This crowd was encouraged by people who supported the House of Orange.
Contents
Life and Family
The De Witt Family
Cornelis de Witt came from an old and important Dutch family called De Witt. His father, Jacob de Witt, was a powerful leader and citizen from Dordrecht. In the 1600s, Dordrecht was one of the most important cities in the province of Holland.
Cornelis's younger brother, Johan de Witt, became the Grand Pensionary of Holland. This was a very powerful position, like a prime minister, from 1653 to 1672. Cornelis's uncle, Andries de Witt, also held this position before.
Early Political Career
In 1648, Cornelis de Witt became a councillor in Dordrecht. Later, he was given important jobs like ruwaard of Putten and bailiff of Beijerland. These roles involved being like a chief of police and a prosecutor.
Cornelis worked very closely with his younger brother, Johan. He supported Johan's plans with great skill and energy. Johan often relied on Cornelis for help with important government matters. Johan was seen as the planner, while Cornelis was known for his creative ideas.
Cornelis de Witt served as the mayor of Dordrecht in 1666 and 1667. He also represented his city many times in the States of Holland, which was like the provincial government. From 1663 to 1665 and again from 1669 to 1671, he was a member of the Committed Council of the Zuiderkwartier. In 1667, he was appointed to oversee Leiden University.
In 1667, Cornelis de Witt was chosen to go with Lieutenant-Admiral Michiel de Ruyter on a famous naval attack called the raid on the Medway. During this raid, Cornelis showed great bravery and calmness.
He joined De Ruyter again in 1672. He played an important part in the big battle of Solebay against the combined English and French navies. After getting sick and having to leave the fleet, he returned to Dordrecht. There, he found that the Orange party was gaining power. He and his brother were seen with suspicion and dislike by many people.
Family Life
Cornelis de Witt married Maria van Berckel in 1650. They had five children together. One of their daughters, Wilhelmina, later married her cousin, Johan de Witt Jr., who was the son of Cornelis's brother Johan.
Tragic End
Cornelis de Witt was wrongly accused of serious crimes. Even though he was found innocent of the main charges, he was unfairly sentenced to be sent away from the city. On the very day he was supposed to be released, he was killed by an angry crowd. This mob also killed his brother, Johan. This sad event was part of a plot by supporters of the House of Orange.
See also
In Spanish: Cornelio de Witt para niños
