William Pitt the Elder (1708 – 1778)

This plaque, installed in July 2008, can be found on Marwarden Court gate entrance at Stratford Sub Castle. Pitt was MP for Old Sarum between 1735 and 1747 and Prime Minister from 1766-68. He spent part of his boyhood at Marwarden Court. Historians call him William Pitt the Elder, to distinguish him from his son, William Pitt the Younger, who also was a prime minister. Pitt is best known as the wartime political leader of Britain in the Seven Years’ War, especially for his single-minded devotion to victory over France, a victory which ultimately solidified Britain’s dominance over world affairs in the late C18th.  Please note this plaque is currently undergoing repair and will be re-instated when work has been completed.