|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Earl of Chatham
|
|
(William Pitt, known as Pitt the Elder, 1708–78, earl 1766) Politician in charge of British policy in the *Seven Years' War (1756–63). After entering parliament in 1735 for Old Sarum, Pitt established a reputation as a brilliant young rebel. At the same time he became known as the Great Commoner because of his skill in the House of Commons. By the 1750s his reputation was such that he seemed the natural leader in time of war, though two dukes (Devonshire and Newcastle) were in turn the nominal head of government.
|
|
|
|
In 1766 Pitt briefly headed a ministry of his own, but his part in public life was soon reduced by the onset of mental illness. Nevertheless in 1777 he made impassioned speeches in the House of Lords against Britain's role in the War of *American Independence, insisting that the colonists' grievances be redressed because 'You cannot conquer America'. The Great Commoner has become best known to history as Chatham only because his son was an even more distinguished William *Pitt.
|
|
|
|