John Pitts (Catholic scholar) facts for kids
John Pitts (sometimes called Pits or Pitseus) was an English scholar and writer who lived a long time ago, from 1560 to 1616. He was a Roman Catholic priest and spent much of his life studying and writing important books.
Contents
John Pitts's Early Life and Education
John Pitts was born in a place called Alton, Hampshire in England in the year 1560. When he was young, he went to a famous school called Winchester College. Later, from 1578 to 1580, he studied at New College, Oxford, which is a well-known university. In 1581, he moved to Rome to study at the English College, Rome.
Pitts's Career and Later Life
In 1588, John Pitts became a priest. After that, he started teaching as a professor at the English College in Reims, France. He continued his studies and earned advanced degrees: a Licentiate of Divinity (Lic.D.) in Trier in 1592, and a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in Ingolstadt in 1595.
He held several important positions in the church. He became a Canon in Verdun, which is a type of church official. He also worked for the Duchess of Cleves as her confessor (someone who hears confessions) and almoner (someone who gives out money to the poor). After the Duchess passed away, he became the Dean of Liverdun, another important church role. John Pitts died in Liverdun, in a region called Lorraine, in 1616.
John Pitts's Writings
John Pitts was a very active writer. He wrote several books, mostly about history and religious topics.
Major Historical Works
His most famous work was a large historical book called Relationum Historicarum de rebus Angliæ. It had four parts:
- De Illustribus Angliæ Scriptoribus: This part was about famous English writers. It was published in Paris in 1619, after his death.
- De Regibus Angliæ: This part was about the Kings of England.
- De Episcopis Angliæ: This part was about the Bishops of England.
- De Viris Apostolicis Angliæ: This part was about important religious figures in England.
The last three parts of this big book were never published and remained as handwritten copies in Liverdun.
Other Important Books
- Tractatus de legibus: This book was about laws and was published in Trier in 1592.
- Tractatus de beatitudine: This book was about happiness and was published in Ingolstadt in 1595.
- Libri septem de peregrinatione: This book was about travel and was published in Düsseldorf in 1604.
