Background
He was born on 15 June 1623 in Dordrecht, Holland, Dutch Republic. He was the son of Jacob de Witt and the older brother of Johan.
He was born on 15 June 1623 in Dordrecht, Holland, Dutch Republic. He was the son of Jacob de Witt and the older brother of Johan.
He was afterwards appointed to the important post of ruwaard, who combined the functions of chief of police and prosecuting attorney, of Putten and bailiff of Beierland. In 1667 he was the deputy chosen by the States of Holland to accompany Lieutenant-Admiral Michiel de Ruyter in his famous raid on the Medway. Cornelis de Witt on this occasion distinguished himself greatly by his coolness and intrepidity.
He again accompanied De Ruyter in 1672 and took an honorable part in the great battle of Solebay against the united English and French fleets.
He was arrested on false accusations of treason, but did not confess despite heavy torture and was ultimately unlawfully condemned to be banished. Both their bodies were horribly mutilated and their hearts were carved out to be exhibited as trophies.
Cornelis de Witt was married to Maria van Berckel (1632–1706). The couple had one daughter, Wilhelmina de Witt (1671–1702).
Cornelis de Witt and his role in Dutch politics was shown in the 2015 film Michiel de Ruyter.
Both brothers play important roles in The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas.
Cornelis de Witt was a member of the old Dutch patrician family De Witt. In 1650 he became burgomaster of Dordrecht and member of the States of Holland and West Friesland.