Portrait Medallion: Lord Chatham (Pitt)

William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham (1708–1778), commonly known as Pitt the Elder, was a British statesman who played a crucial role in expanding the British Empire during the 18th century.

Pitt served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1766 to 1768 but is best remembered for his earlier leadership as Secretary of State for War (1757–1761) during the Seven Years' War. His strategic vision and emphasis on naval power led to major British victories against France, securing Canada, India, and other colonial territories.

A powerful orator, Pitt was known for his opposition to corruption and his defense of American colonial rights before the Revolutionary War. Although he opposed the taxation of the American colonies, he later supported a hardline stance against rebellion.

He was given the title Earl of Chatham in 1766, but his political influence waned in later years. His son, William Pitt the Younger, later became one of Britain’s most famous prime ministers.