William Pitt the Elder

William Pitt (November 15, 1708 - May 11, 1778) 1st Earl of Chatham (1766), a prominent Member of Parliament, and British Secretary of State. He was born in London.

Pitt led Britain to victory over France in the Seven Years' War, and turned the French and Indian War to Britain's favor. Pitt opposed from 1774 onwards the harsh measures against the American colonies. He imposed a "requisition" system making the colonial legislatures share troops' needs.

Some offices William (Bill) Pitt has held include:

• Joint Vice Treasurer of Ireland (February 22, 1746 - May 6, 1746)
• Paymaster General (May 6, 1746 - November 20, 1755)
• Secretary of State, Southern Department, and Leader of the House of Commons
  • (December 4, 1756 - April 6, 1757 June 27, 1757 - October 5, 1761)
• Lord Privy Seal (July 30, 1766 - February, 1768 March 21, 1768 - October 14, 1768)

He died at Hayes Place near Bromley, Kent.