THE BIGGEST LIAR of the SEVENTEENTH CENTURY - TITUS OATES

[@davidmajer3652]

Some people will go to great lengths to avoid an honest job.

[@yfrontsguy]

A pity that society has no firewall still against these psychopaths & that we still suffer their sick vanity & greed

[@muskerp]

he sounds a lot like bojo

[@williamboot658]

" The best way to get on in life is to brazenly lie and cheat " immediately reminded me of a man in America. Thanks for posting Allan.

[@Bard_Land]

The Plot Against Pepys is an excellent book on Samuel Pepys's narrow escape from Oates. The accounts of other victims trials were truly harrowing. An evil man.

[@johndaarteest]

I shall agree with this, the book is a masterpiece. And yes, what a nasty little man.

[@judycater2832]

What an odious man whose lies cost so many innocent lives and destroyed reputations. A horrible story but one which need to be told. Thank you.🙏🏻

[@allanbarton]

Glad you appreciated this. An interesting, if ugly story, but I think it’s best to be well- informed of the kaleidoscope of human behaviour and possibility!

[@edithengel2284]

This is the most thorough and clear account of Titus Oates' career I've heard. Thank you so much. What a terrifying human being. The whole course of events sounds reminiscent of the hysteria surrounding the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts.

[@allanbarton]

There are certainly strong parallels between the two!! Glad you appreciated the video 😊.

[@jbos5107]

The longer I live, the more I realize that some things never change. Very interesting video Allan. I really enjoyed it.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it! I think our best defence against this kind of history repeating itself too often is to be well- informed 😅.

[@willbick3]

The chances of the bulk of the electorate ever being ‘well-informed’ are nil

[@jackpayne4658]

Any modern-day psychopath would instantly recognise Oates as a member of their exclusive fraternity. You don't need to be a sadistic serial killer or a gangster. All you need is to go through life with something lacking - call it conscience, empathy, honesty, whatever. I've met a few psychopaths, and they're absolutely charming - it's hard to believe that something essential is missing.

[@lukasmickevicius2173]

Thank you for the video! I studied at the English College in Valladolid last year and quite few of the Martyrs of our house can be traced to the Horrid Hellish Popish plot. We were told that Oates' room was above the entrance where he could spy on visitors to the college - now its a laundry room, so no student has to be haunted by his wraith.

[@judycater2832]

Fascinating detail; thank you for sharing.❤

[@allanbarton]

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@lianefehrle9921]

All those people that died because of him, so heartless. He reminds me a great deal of another person.

[@bretthess6376]

Who? Quite a number of candidates there.

[@roringusanda2837]

Tony Bliar...to K. Starmer...

[@J.MacInnes]

Titus Oates and Matthew Hopkins , the self appointed Witchfinder General, the seventeenth century was a true feast for utterly horrible people in England.

[@willbick3]

Twenty first century says hi

[@J.MacInnes]

@@willbick3 we haven't improved much have we

[@VoiceOfA100Colors]

I never thought about all the horrible stuff happening to London around the mid 1600s. You had the civil war with Cromwell becoming Lord protector and King Charles dying in 1649. The return of Charles the second in 1661. Then the black plague hit London hard in 1665-1666 and the famous London fire in 1666. Imagine being born and coming of fighting age for the civil war and then surviving all the rest to come after. Rough generation... They saw the end of English Monarchy for a time and they possibly saw the end of there personal religion (legally and locally). Then the Plague, the fire... It must have felt like everything that once kept order was on borrowed time

[@nicolasfauvel5934]

Thank you, Dr Barton! A splendid telling of the story of Titus Oates. Viewed from the perspective of our age, Oates was a textbook example of what we would now label a psychopath, as first carefully described and clearly formulated by Dr Hervey Cleckley in his book "The Mask of Sanity", published in 1941. Some commentators here seem slightly amazed that such characters exist in our day, but, of course, they have always existed. They exist in varying degrees of flagrancy and the character trait is remarkably prevalent. They still take in "normal" folk with their charisma, charm and confidence. They have no need to "believe" their own lies and fantasies because they have no moral sense and no empathy, and do not distinguish between truth and fantasy. They are callous of others. Most come into conflict with society, and many with the law (just like Oates). It is no surprise that they are over-represented in prisons. Some psychopaths (usually at the brighter end of intelligence) have some insight into the fact that their thinking is not like "normal" people, and become adept at faking more normal patterns of emotional response, but it is just that - faking. During many interesting discussions about how to handle psychopaths in the work-place, a hightly experienced clinical psychologist friend ultimately gave the following sound advice: "steer well clear of them!"

[@willbick3]

Its amazing how people (including authority) can be swept along if you have total commitment to your own bullshit

[@OkieJammer2736]

Very well researched and produced. Thank you.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you appreciated it!

[@nottiification]

Interesting how perjury used to be illegal. We should bring that back.

[@mickymantle3233]

For the times, he's lucky he did'nt lose his tongue. Vile man.

[@mags102755]

My mother was a pathological liar. But this guy takes the cake. 🙂

[@Harvey0506]

Mine too, So I believe you before I even listen to this piece.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. I'll give it a shot?

[@allanbarton]

Indeed- he made a career of it!

[@jameshaddan8538]

Great video - thanks for posting. I just finished reading Sophie Shorland’s ‘The Lost Queen’ about Catherine of Braganza which includes quite a bit about Oates, so immediately watched your video when I saw it pop up - fascinating stuff!

[@ByronAdams-j7t]

“The most huge and horrible scandal ever launched against us [the Catholic faith] since the last lie was choked in the throat of Titus Oates.” G. K. Chesterton, “The Resurrection of Father Brown.”

[@allanbarton]

A very pertinent reference!

[@Cheryl407]

Amazing parallels to a situation many of us are being forced to deal with. Thank you for your presentation.

[@garycurry4600]

I could not have said it better!

[@Lionstar16]

Titus Oates is proof that some things never change

[@watermelonman3000]

What situation is that? Trump?

[@Pugggle]

​@@watermelonman3000the latest riots in the uk are a recent similarity

[@chadclay1643]

Starmer

[@danielkarmy4893]

The largely-unknown poet Dale Wimbrow Sr wrote, in his best work, 'The Guy in the Glass': '...you can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, and get pats on the back as you pass; but your final reward will be heartache and tears, if you've cheated The Guy In the Glass...'

[@OkieJammer2736]

Oh. My. 😮 Toxic and evil, indeed. We all have known those who lie as a pattern or habit, but not to cause the seemingly intended consequences as did Oates. OMG, the horrific damage by one human.

[@jbos5107]

The whole world knows someone like this right now and it is terrifying!

[@allanbarton]

Yes, the trail of destruction was fairly huge!

[@LuciThomasHardylover-qx6ts]

What's truly terrifying is the amount of people who are prepared to claim that they believe such preposterous rubbish. That's what makes a person like this so dangerous. Why do people drop their common sense for someone like this?

[@chrisball3778]

One thing I've never seen considered is the possibility that Oates had a genetic condition causing abnormal facial bone growth, e.g. Cherubism or Paget's disease. He looks distinctly odd in most of his portraits, and his unflattering descriptions have said he was considered so 'ugly' he attracted attention in the street. It'd be easy to put these down to poor draftsmanship and hyperbole, but the pictures genuinely do quite closely resemble the effects of medical conditions known to cause very visible facial differences. If it was the case that Oates lived with one of these conditions, it might help explain how he developed such a warped psyche- the constant experience of social rejection feeding a pathological need for approval. None of that would excuse all the death and suffering his lies caused, but it might help us understand how one of history's strangest villains came to be the way he was. There may be people who've seriously looked into this possibility already, but if there are, I've not stumbled across their work.

[@dizzyspinner648]

Uncorrected personality traits that seem whimsical in a child may prove to be ugly in a fully grown adult.

[@annettewillis2797]

What a great summation of the life and deeds of the odious Titus Oates, who despite his looks, had the gift of the gab when it came to currying favour. It is extraordinary that he got away with it for so long, even to be temporarily 'redeemed'. History seems to show that there will always be a Titus Oates equivalent somewhere in our midst.

[@TerryC69]

Hi Allan! The story of Oates brings to mind a certain passage from St. Luke 8:17: "For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad."

[@allanbarton]

Hi Terry! Yes, a very apt passage in this case!

[@Wilkins_Micawber]

I always knew the name of Titus Oats, but not his claim to history, or should I say notoriety. Thanks for this, I enjoyed it.

[@Lionstar16]

'The Hanging Judge' - now there's a name to strike fear into the hearts of men!

[@allanbarton]

Yes! A dubious reputation to have 😅.

[@Lisette777]

So well researched! Thank you, Allan. I love your videos. In a sense though, this one horrifies, for there is a parallel situation elsewhere in the world, where a renown liar and con man will steer the ship. It's terrible to think we learn nothing from history.

[@roringusanda2837]

Kier Starmer?

[@stepps511]

The comfort, if I may use the term, is that in the end Oates felt the effects of his chronic detestable behavior and temperment. Thank you, Allan, for this illustrative bit of history.

[@n990]

Amazing, 'Unloved and unlamented'... Thank you!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kidmohair8151]

16:13 “…apparently serial lying can make one a gentleman.” a statement that could be said of a not insubstantial number these days.

[@allanbarton]

Very true, it has ever been thus. But often in the end, what goes around, comes around!

[@kidmohair8151]

@@allanbarton i'm not so sure about the "often" part. "sometimes" or "rarely" perhaps is closer to reality. it is heartening when it does happen, though.

[@renater.540]

​@@kidmohair8151 Let's hope it won't last till 2028 to arrive....

[@BMW7series251]

Another very interesting video. Thank you.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheFakeyCakeMaker]

Thank you KZbin for recommending this wonderful channel. Throughly enjoyed this.

[@allanbarton]

So glad you enjoyed it, hope you enjoy some of my other videos too!

[@forest_green]

This was super interesting, thank you so much for the fascinating story.

[@rwarren58]

Great job! In the end no tears were shed for Titus Oates.

[@ZAV1944]

I knew a guy in my apartment building who was just like Oates.

[@ludovica8221]

sounds like a ideal candidate for the US Presidency

[@VeganWithAraygun]

He looks exactly like MAGA Charlie Kirk

[@lianefehrle9921]

I thought the same

[@jilltagmorris]

Perhaps a cabinet seat

[@edmundsveikutis1698]

Thankfully they will be held of for the next 4 years.

[@d.l.d.l.8140]

Are we paying rent for that space in your head? I’d be okay with it, it’s very roomy.

[@pontecarlo4354]

Not the Titus Oates of the Scott expedition but he lied at the end when he said “I’m going out for just a short time”

[@neilbuckley1613]

He was Laurence Oates,Titus was just a nickname.

[@pontecarlo4354]

@ Thank you, I think he was still called the nickname after the historical figure you refer to.

[@LamgiMari]

Clearly nicknamed for this guy, but ... why?

[@chrisball3778]

@@LamgiMari 'Oates' was considered an unusual name and Titus was the most infamous person sharing it. It would be the equivalent of jokingly calling someone with the surname Manson 'Charlie'. He was already a military hero who had been recommended for the Victoria Cross by the time he joined Scott's expedition, so it wasn't intended as some slight on his character, just dark humour.

[@davewolfy2906]

​@@chrisball3778 I knew a soldier, his surname is/was Knight. Even the sergeant major called him Gladys.

[@daniakalaina]

My namesake my uncle Dana, was a pathological liar and schizophrenic. He tore a path of destruction through the lives of anyone he came into contact with. I didn’t speak to him after my father died. He got mad when my father left everything to my brother and me his two children. He felt my dad should have left him something even though my dad provided free housing for him for twenty years.

[@CrowSkeleton]

Poor wife. I didn't know Oates married (for cash) or that he was ever actually charged for sex crimes (and wriggled out of the allegations), but I can't say I'm surprised.

[@francesbernard2445]

Thanks for publishing above video in a way that does not leave any important detail out including a warning about the negativity dynamic which Titus Otis allowed to take over his life.

[@saraross8396]

I once read an interesting story about Oates. This took place long after his time, which is perhaps the most interesting thing about it. I don't recall who it was or when, but someone decided to "throw a party in his honor". People actually showed up to this affair. Curiously, they looked around for the guest of honor. After a time, each attendee was given a card saying that the guest of honor would not be joining them this evening and also gave further details about the man in question. The guy throwing the party wanted to prove that some people would show up for anything, even for someone they knew nothing about. I'd say he succeeded.

[@surplushistory]

This was a cool story! You just keep leading me on in disbelief.

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

It needs to be remembered that through all times in history there have been people on both sides of all disputes making stuff up and wrongly accusing people on the other side. Oates may have taken that to another level, but of course it only had any effect because polarised section of society wanted to fear of his fabrications, because it suited their politics, chose to, and acted on the fabrication. The period in British history covering the Stuart Kings and the interregnum rife with false accusations, and ensuing prosecutions.

[@buckfaststradler4629]

He'd fit right in with our current MPs

[@Smeegheed1963]

Great video, thanks. I'd never heard of Titus Oates before but I found this so interesting that I thought I'd say what it made me think... That way of being has always been a thing and still is... The name and face, the identity of the person are not the culprit, I think. It can manoeuvre itself into powerful positions and the results are all around us, still. But, lets not hate him, or all the other ones who carry on this way, lets just stop giving them power!

[@Bejaardenbus]

Love the video! Informative without becoming a deluge. Did you turn off subtitles? It'd be lovely if you turned it on so more people can enjoy this kind of well-researched, educational material.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you. I'm not sure why the subtitles weren't there, must be a KZbin glitch.

[@SWRural-fk2ub]

This story reminds me a bit of Jeffrey Archer.

[@SandyRiverBlue]

Testis Ovat: “the witness who exults”. I've always thought that the Swedish practice at this time of breaking people at the wheel was cruel and barbaric and evil in an almost incomprehensible way. The amount of harm that this man did though? A pillory was too good for him.

[@sylviahardy4568]

Usually, I enjoy your posts. Not so this one. I'm left with an awareness that his type is still very much amongst us... an uneasy feeling.

[@sforza209]

You’re very petty if that bothers you.

[@Excession-h6e]

​@jonjames7328 Which is the entire hierarchy since 1997. Hardly a 'petty' issue. The English, I'm one, are very good at ignoring long term societal and political realities in favour of striking a smart-arse comment for a brief endorphin hit.

[@laurachapple6795]

He looks like Restoration Jay Leno.

[@judycater2832]

😂😂😂

[@mickeydodds1]

Love the contemporary prints accompanying the video.

[@joelhermann3516]

Odius in the extreme. How true!

[@darrenmclellan6712]

What a great story!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@EllenCFarmGirl]

Wow, I was dropped jawed on the history of this Character! Fascinating!❤

[@allanbarton]

His was an interesting story and character, wasn’t it?!

[@EllenCFarmGirl]

@allanbarton he grifted for a long time!

[@CatskillsGrrl]

We have our own biggest liar and I can’t escape him.

[@diabolicalartificer]

Titus Oates was a character in an episode of the Sweeney, I didn't know he had an historical basis: what a ratbag.

[@riheg]

A bad liar is better than a good one

[@Captain-l-12p]

A record that stood til Boris Johnson learned how to speak.

[@GUNNFORRESTER]

Great video, may I recommend Andrew Robinson Stoney as a subject, the movie Barry Lyndon is based upon him, which I turn is based on the picaresque novel The Luck of Barry Lyndon

[@thejudgmentalcat]

Reminds me of a few American politicians Why haven't they made a movie or miniseries on this guy? His story is perfect for it

[@EdMcF1]

It smelt a lot then, no pot-pourri here.

[@eleveneleven572]

He'd be prime minister were he alive today.

[@a24-45]

Sounds like Oates may have had a personality disorder, possibly histrionic or another Cluster B disorder, especially with his compulsive lying. If only private investigators existed back in that century. In treason trials, it was often one person's word against another's. But if Oates' past had been researched at the time and made public, it might have damaged his credibility enough to make him an "unreliable witness". This story reminds me how vulnerable we all are to being used and exploited, once a manipulative person works out what it is that we want to hear.

[@jelkel25]

Cluster Bs are a mixture of the diagnosis though all are compulsive liar's. Some have more self awareness than others so will curtail the lying when they have what they want. I think you may be right about Oats having a Histrionic element along with Narcissism and psychopathy. He must have gone into a frenzy when he started to get attention from the king. Surprised he made it into his 50s in those times.

[@watermelonman3000]

The words 'bounder and a cad' don't do it justice.

[@johndaarteest]

The monocle-popping horror of it all.

[@watermelonman3000]

@@johndaarteest The butt-plug clenching terror!

[@JohnStrange-q8r]

Titus, may I have some oats? But brother, I am starving.

[@davidpnewton]

You know some of those engravings make him look almost Hapsburgian in the chin.

[@BaalBuster]

I knew before I clicked on the video he was gonna be a clergyman

[@Oldsmobile69]

What a cool story! Sorry to hear he never go to do a jig on Tybern.

[@PWigglman1492]

Living to 75 in the 1600's is wild.

[@Marse73]

Oates was an evil man, causing so much trouble

[@benholmes1608]

Would be a good name for a breakfast cereal.

[@PaperclipClips]

Have him team up with a guy named Hall and you've got a band!

[@aldiboronti]

The poet John Dryden wrote the best and funniest picture of Oates in Absalom and Achitophel

[@alanpeachey4085]

Thank you for being here. That was fabulous. I walk through a con man. We’ve got lots of them here in Australia who we are and what we are to the British Isles is our history from the ground up who created that history from the ground up the common ale house Westminster and Parliament would be nothing. The foundations were created a long time before those buildings were created. how do we maintain the history of old London town that’s been missed by an economist that’s easy. We just make the soccer clubs and the cricket clubs badminton and every other sport that can be played or maintained Must be supplying funds to keep old London town the place it has made for centuries old London town it will secure the very culture and who we are and what we are regards Al from down under where they have simply destroyed as much history as they possibly can and it was so unique I saw you. Thank you for being you.

[@paulbrookes6705]

Very informative we wonder how this could have happened but it seems fact is stranger than fiction in his case.

[@MarkDenson-ld8bf]

Really interesting thank you for sharing

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeanmkaufmann]

Oh my God! He was a truly horrible person. 🙂🇨🇦

[@MurrayHerts]

Sounds like his life would make a good tv series

[@lysem4392]

A spellbinding video. I watched it twice, partly to better enjoy its splendid images.

[@allanbarton]

I’m glad you enjoyed it enough to watch it twice!!

[@lindageorge8209]

Today he'd just be called a con man, wouldn't he?

[@johne7100]

Excellent! Thank you, sir!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@janesmith3867]

It's my birthday so I've signed up for The Antiquary Magazine!

[@frank327]

Brilliant account of Oates, hit all the high notes!

[@derbyshirewalker]

Thank you for such an interesting video.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@j0nnyism]

Oates would’ve ended up working for the sun or mirror if he lived today

[@eleanorburns8686]

Born too early and in the wrong country. He'd have been a senator in this day and age.

[@StevenJeNova]

An interesting life, digging his own grave, just about. But I bet it wasn't boring! Despicable man, though. Great video, thanks!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Kuwaitisnot_adeployment]

3:42 I've always found it very weird how modern Anabaptists that I know about in America, Amish and Mennonite, are completely non violent to the point where they won't serve in the military or fight to defend their own country but the way they started was violent, depraved, and brutal. Look it up if you want to hear all about it because this comment would get removed if I told you here.

[@juliaeastbourne6310]

I cant help thinking that someone like this would have been far more successful in England today.

[@roringusanda2837]

He is, his name is Kier Starmer

[@dantematt2439]

9:54 Here starts a perfect description of a conniving bastard 😂

[@blueporta]

Marchamont Nedham was a fascinating figure from that era is worth a deeper dive into in my opinion - arguably the first 'muck raking' journalist!

[@steveball2307]

Plus ça change........

[@Signaman-z9d]

A bad conman at best. A dangerous lier at worst.😱

[@kiviuq1552]

Oates’ descendants live amongst us. They are called high level bureaucrats

[@nikitamckeever5403]

No that would be Starmer

[@rose-ey6ct]

A narcissist. Does he remind anyone of a recent politician who achieved the highest office in the land?

[@roringusanda2837]

Kier Starmer?

[@muskerp]

@@roringusanda2837 Time will tell, I had bojo in mind though

[@roringusanda2837]

@muskerp yeah, he's another one... honestly can we say we've ever not had this kind?

[@ringkichardthethrid7147]

Is anyone aware of the significance of the hand gesture that Oates appears to be displaying in some of his portraits/depictions? The middle and ring finger held together with index and little fingers held apart, in a shape like a W. For example, at 12:35.

[@ElizabethHopkinson]

The more things change…

[@veronicaelsegood5175]

Ah a precursor to our self elected PM me thinks.