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Thomas Pitt, 1st Baron Camelford facts for kids

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The Lord Camelford
Thomas Pitt, Lord Camelford MET DP-15822-165 (cropped).jpg
Wedgwood jasperware miniature, c. 1780
Personal details
Born (1737-03-03)3 March 1737
Boconnoc, Cornwall, England
Died 19 January 1793(1793-01-19) (aged 55)
Florence, Italy
Resting place Boconnoc, Cornwall
Spouse
Anne Wilkinson
(m. 1771)
Children Thomas Pitt, 2nd Baron Camelford
Anne Grenville, Baroness Grenville
Parents Thomas Pitt of Boconnoc
Christian Lyttelton
Relatives William Pitt the Elder (uncle)
Alma mater Clare College, Cambridge
Occupation Politician

Thomas Pitt, 1st Baron Camelford (born March 3, 1737 – died January 19, 1793) was an important British politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a main part of the British Parliament, from 1761 to 1784. Later, he was given a special title and became a Baron, which is a noble rank. Thomas Pitt was also known for his love of art and beautiful things.

Early Life and Adventures

Boconnoc Estate3
Boconnoc House, where Thomas Pitt was born.

Thomas Pitt was born in a place called Boconnoc in Cornwall, England, on March 3, 1737. His father was Thomas Pitt of Boconnoc, and his uncle was a very famous politician named William Pitt the Elder.

He went to Clare College, Cambridge, a well-known university, from 1754 to 1758. In 1759, he earned a special degree called a Master of Arts.

In 1760, Thomas Pitt went on an exciting trip. He traveled with the British ambassador to Portugal, then through Spain to Italy. He wrote a journal about his travels, describing things like a bullfight. While in Italy, he heard that his father had passed away. Thomas Pitt then made a big decision: he used his inheritance to pay off his father's debts and help his sisters. This showed he was a responsible and caring person.

A Career in Politics

When his father died, Thomas Pitt gained control over some special voting areas. These were called "rotten boroughs" because they had very few voters but a lot of power in Parliament. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Old Sarum from 1761 to 1768. Then he represented Okehampton from 1768 to 1774, and again Old Sarum from 1774 until 1784.

Pitt was involved in many political discussions. He worked with his relative, George Grenville, and even became a lord of the admiralty, which meant he helped manage the navy. He often disagreed with some of the powerful leaders of his time, like Lord North. He spoke out against things he thought were unfair, such as limiting the influence of the King.

In 1784, Thomas Pitt was given the noble title of Baron Camelford of Boconnoc. This was a big honor, partly because of his cousin, William Pitt the Younger, who was also a very important politician.

A Lover of Art and Architecture

Thomas Pitt was not just a politician; he also loved art and design. He lived in Twickenham, near London, and even called his house the 'Palazzo Pitti' as a fun reference to a famous palace in Florence, Italy.

He was very skilled in architecture, especially in the Gothic style. He helped design parts of famous buildings like Stowe House in Buckinghamshire. He was also a member of the Dilettanti Society, a group of people who loved and studied ancient art. He even tried to get them to create a public museum, but it didn't happen.

Pitt was interested in new inventions too. He helped a clockmaker named Thomas Mudge with his plans to improve nautical chronometers, which were important for telling time at sea. He also designed the wooden carvings for the stalls in Carlisle Cathedral.

Later Years

The Boconnoc Estate - the Obelisk (geograph 3559728)
The obelisk, a monument on the Boconnoc Estate.

From 1789 to 1792, Thomas Pitt spent time in Italy. He returned to England briefly but went back to Europe in September 1792. He passed away in Florence, Italy, on January 19, 1793. He was buried back home in Boconnoc, where he had added new parts to his family's old house.

At Boconnoc, he also built a tall stone monument called an obelisk, which was 123 feet high. He built it in 1771 to remember his uncle, Sir Richard Lyttelton.

Family Life

In 1771, Thomas Pitt married Anne Wilkinson. She came from a wealthy family. They had two children:

  • Thomas Pitt, who later became the 2nd Baron Camelford.
  • Anne Pitt (born September 1772 – died 1864).

Thomas Pitt was known for being polite and sensible. He was also kind to his wife's sister and her children, helping them when they faced difficulties.

See also

  • Conway's Bridge
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