Profession: British Prime Minister
Biography: The second son of Prime Minister William Pitt the elder, William Pitt the Younger is the youngest ever British Minister, aged just 24, when he was appointed by King George III.
Pitt's tenures as Prime Minister, he served 3 terms between 1783-1806, were dominated by the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars.
In order to pay for these conflicts he re-organised British finances and tax laws. In 1801 he was the force behind the Acts of Union, which united Great Britain and Ireland.
Pitt died young at 46, worn out by gout and ill health
Born: May 28, 1759
Birthplace: Hayes, Kent, England, United Kingdom
Star Sign: Gemini
Died: January 23, 1806 (aged 46)
Cause of Death: Suspected peptic ulceration of his stomach or duodenum
Articles and Photos
Last Invasion of Britain
French troops surrendering to British forces at Goodwick Sands near Fishguard in Wales. Drawing by James Baker.
February 22, 1797
William Wilberforce’s Fight Against Slavery
William Wilberforce, who died on this day, was a leading figure in the fight against slavery, especially the horrific transportation of people from Africa.
July 29, 1833
Light and Air For All – With No Charge!
One of Britain's most hated taxes, which had been in force for more than 250 years, was finally abolished on this day.
July 24, 1851
Historical Events
- 1783-12-19 William Pitt the Younger becomes the youngest ever British Prime Minister at age 24
- 1799-01-09 British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger introduces income tax to raise funds for the war against Napoleon
- 1801-03-14 Henry Addington becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after his friend William Pitt the Younger resigns after being unable to persuade King George III of the need for Catholic Emancipation
- 1804-05-10 British Prime Minister Henry Addington resigns, replaced by William Pitt the Younger
Boris Johnson
Charles Grey
Margaret Thatcher
Robert Gascoyne-Cecil
Spencer Perceval
William Pitt the Elder