Travers Twiss facts for kids

Sir Travers Twiss was an important English legal expert. He was born in London on March 19, 1809, and passed away there on January 14, 1897. He had a very successful career in both academics and law.

Sir Travers Twiss became known for his ideas about international law. This is a set of rules that countries agree to follow when dealing with each other. Many people asked for his advice. He even helped create the rules for the Congo Free State. He also wrote many influential books about legal topics. His public career ended suddenly in 1872 due to personal reasons. However, he continued to study and write about international law.

Travers Twiss's Academic Life

Travers Twiss was born in Marylebone, a part of London. He was the oldest son of Reverend Robert Twiss. He went to University College, Oxford. There, he earned excellent grades in mathematics and classics in 1830.

After graduating, he became a Fellow of his college. He later held important roles like bursar, dean, and tutor. While at Oxford, he also helped examine students in different subjects. He became a professor of political economy in 1842. Later, in 1855, he became the Regius Professor of Civil Law.

In 1862, he married Marie von Lynnseele. Because he married, he had to give up his fellowship. But the college still honored him by making him an Honorary Fellow.

While at Oxford, he wrote several books. These included a summary of Niebuhr's History of Rome. He also published an updated version of Livy's works. His main interests were political economy, law, and international politics. He also taught international law at King's College London from 1852 to 1855.

Travers Twiss's Legal Career

In 1840, Travers Twiss became a barrister at Lincoln's Inn. This meant he could argue cases in court. He also became an advocate at Doctors' Commons, which handled church-related legal matters.

He worked on many cases in church courts. He held several important positions there. For example, he was the commissary-general for Canterbury in 1849. He also became the vicar-general to the archbishop in 1852. In 1858, he was made Chancellor of the diocese of London.

When new laws changed the church courts in 1858, Twiss became a QC. This is a special title for experienced barristers. In the same year, he was also elected a bencher of his Inn.

His successful career continued in other courts. In 1862, he became the Advocate-General for the British Admiralty. This role involved advising the navy on legal matters. In 1867, he became the Queen's Advocate-General. This was a very high legal position. He was also knighted in 1867, which meant he was given the title "Sir."

Sir Travers Twiss served on many important government committees. These committees looked at laws about marriage, neutrality, and citizenship. Because of his strong reputation, King Leopold II of Belgium asked him for help in 1884. Sir Travers Twiss helped write the rules for the new Congo Free State.

He was also chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society in March 1838. This is a very respected group of scientists.