William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham Zealand William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham, (15 November 1708 – 11 May 1778) was a British statesman of the Whig group who led the government of Great Britain twice in the middle of the 18th century. Historians call him Pitt of Chatham, or William Pitt the Elder, to distinguish him from his son, William Pitt the Younger, who also was a prime minister. Pitt was also known as The Great Commoner, because of his long-standing refusal to accept a title until 1766. Pitt was a member of the British cabinet and its informal
James Sinclair, 12th Earl of Caithness James Sinclair, 12th Earl of Caithness James Sinclair, 12th Earl of Caithness was a Scottish noble and chief of the Clan Sinclair. James Sinclair was born at Barrogill Castle (Castle of Mey) on 31 May 1766. He was the son of Sir John Sinclair of Mey, Baronet who he succeeded in the baronetcy in 1774. He succeeded as 12th earl of Caithness in 1789, as nearest lawful male heir of William Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Caithness. His claim to the peerage was sustained by the House of Lords. He was lord-lieutenant of the county of Caithness and lieutenant-colonel of the