John Milton is most known today for his epic poem Paradise Destroyed, which was nearly lost owing to the reason of Milton's renown (or notoriety) in 1660: his work composing Commonwealth defenses against Royalist attacks. However, before that he had been working on another poetic project called Areopagitica that argued for free speech regarding religion in Parliament. Areopagitica was published in 1644 but was banned by law and burned by the public. Despite this, it was an immediate success and helped launch Milton into fame. Milton was born on August 24th, 1572 into a wealthy family living in London. He entered Cambridge University at the age of 18 where he became acquainted with John Donne, George Herbert, and other poets who were members of the English Church community there. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1595, he went on to receive a master's two years later from Sidney Sussex College. In 1602, he married Katherine Henslow; together they would have three children. In 1624, King James I of England died without a son who could have inherited the throne. The next year, Charles I succeeded to the throne. Unlike his father, Charles was a strong supporter of the Church of England and tried to force other religions out of Britain.