Silius Titus facts for kids
Silius Titus (born 1623, died 1704) was an important English politician from Bushey. He served as the Captain of Deal Castle and was a special helper to King Charles II, known as a Groom of the Bedchamber. Colonel Titus also helped plan an escape for King Charles I from Carisbrooke Castle.
Contents
Silius Titus's Early Life
Silius Titus was born in London in 1623. His father, Silas Titus, was a salter (someone who sold salt). Silius went to Christ Church, Oxford university in 1638 and also studied law at the Middle Temple.
The Controversial Pamphlet: Killing No Murder
Silius Titus started his political journey by writing a pamphlet called Killing No Murder in 1657. This was during a time in English history called The Protectorate, when Oliver Cromwell was in charge. The pamphlet suggested that Oliver Cromwell should be killed.
Because it was very dangerous to write such a strong opinion against Cromwell, Killing No Murder was published using a fake name, 'William Allen'. People said that Cromwell was so worried after the pamphlet came out that he never stayed in the same place for more than two nights. He also took extra care when traveling.
Some people have wondered if Titus really wrote this pamphlet. Others thought it might have been written by Edward Sexby or a man named William Allen. However, King Charles II later rewarded Titus with the title of Groom of the Bedchamber for writing the work, which suggests Titus was indeed the author.
Silius Titus's Political Career
Silius Titus first supported the Parliament in England. Even though he was a strong Presbyterian (a type of Christian), Titus later became a very loyal supporter of the King, known as a Royalist. He was devoted to King Charles I and King Charles II.
Serving in Parliament
Titus became a member of Parliament, representing different areas over the years. He served for Ludgershall in 1660, Lostwithiel from 1670 to 1678, and Hertfordshire from 1678 to 1679. He also represented Huntingdonshire from 1679 to 1685 and Ludlow from 1691 to 1695.
Titus was not known for being a fancy speaker. However, he often used humor in his speeches, which made them very effective. For example, when someone complained that he was making fun of the House of Commons of England, he replied that "things were not necessarily serious because they were dull."
Another time, King Charles II offered to limit the power of a Catholic ruler instead of stopping his brother from becoming king. Titus compared this plan to "having a lion in the lobby and then voting to secure ourselves by letting him in and chaining him, rather than by keeping him out." This showed his clever way of making a point.
Royal Appointments and Later Life
Titus also served King James II but later switched his loyalty to William III. During his life, he held many important royal jobs. He was the Keeper of Deal Castle from 1661 to 1669 and a Colonel in the Cinque Ports Militia during the same time. He was also a Privy Councillor in 1688.
In January 1669, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group of important scientists.
Silius Titus passed away in 1704 and was buried in Bushey. He had married Katherine Winstanley around 1645.
Mentioned in Samuel Pepys' Diary
Captain Titus was mentioned twice in the famous diary kept by Samuel Pepys. Pepys was a government official who wrote down many details about life in 17th-century England.
- 7 May 1660
-
"Many people came today, including Mr. Bellasses, Sir Thomas Lenthropp, Sir Henry Chichley, Colonel Philip Honiwood, and Captain Titus. My Lord showed Captain Titus all our cabins, and I think he is to check how much space there will be for the King's visit."
- 11 October 1664
-
"Today, Captain Titus happily told us the details of the French army's trip against Gigery on the Barbary Coast. They had 6,000 chosen men. They took the Fort of Gigery, which only had five men and three guns. This makes the whole story of the King of France's cleverness and power seem silly."
