William Pitt the Younger

Profession: British Prime Minister

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: 28 May 1759

Birthplace: Hayes, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Died: 23 January 1806 (aged 46)

Cause of Death: Suspected peptic ulceration of his stomach or duodenum