Turtledove
Register
Advertisement
William Pitt
Elderpitt
Historical Figure
Nationality: United Kingdom
Year of Birth: 1708
Year of Death: 1778
Cause of Death: Natural causes
Occupation: Politician
Spouse: Hester Grenville
Children: Five
Relatives: George Grenville (brother-in-law)
Political Party: Whig
Political Office(s): Member of Parliament for several constituencies between 1735-1766
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Fictional Appearances:
The Two Georges
POD: c. 1763
Type of Appearance: Posthumous references
Political Office(s): Prime Minister of Great Britain


William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham PC (often called Pitt the Elder, 15 November 1708 – 11 May 1778) was a British statesman who achieved his greatest fame as Secretary of State during the Seven Years' War, and who was later Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. As Secretary of State, Pitt was arguably as important to British government as Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle, the Prime Minister. Pitt was the architect of the winning British strategy of financial support of Prussia, thereby tying French resources down in Europe, allowing Britain to achieve victory in North America.

His term as Prime Minister (1766-1768) is generally considered unsuccessful, particularly as many of the duties and taxes that helped lay the foundation for the American Revolution were enacted by his ministry.

William Pitt in The Two Georges[]

William Pitt was the Prime Minister during a period of political tension between Britain and its North American colonies. He played a significant role in easing those tensions and ensuring the colonists remained content British subjects.

Pitt was one of the historical figures depicted in the painting The Two Georges.[1]

References[]

  1. The Two Georges, pgs. 28-29, MPB.
Political offices
(OTL)
Preceded by
Robert Darcy, 4th Earl of Holdernesse
Secretary of State for the Southern Department
1757–1761
Succeeded by
Charles Wyndham, 2nd Earl of Egremont
Preceded by
Marquess of Rockingham
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
1766-1768
Succeeded by
Duke of Grafton
Advertisement