The estate Stratfield Save was given to which historical figure by a grateful nation?
George Pitt, 2nd Baron Rivers estates, those around Stratfield Saye House to the nation in about 1814, so that it could be given to Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington as the gift of a grateful nation following his defeat of Napoleon. He died on 20 July 1828 in Grosvenor Place. Upon his death, the Barony of Rivers, of Stratfield Saye, created in 1776, became extinct, while the Barony of Rivers, of Sudeley Castle, created in 1802, passed by special remainder to his nephew Horace Beckford, who adopted the surname of Pitt-Rivers. It seems probable that Pitt had a son by a woman known as
Stratfield Saye House the great father-and-son Prime Ministers. The main part of the house was extensively enlarged around 1630 by Sir William Pitt, Comptroller of the Household to King James I. Sir William's eldest son, Edward Pitt (1592-1643), MP, of Steepleton Iwerne, Dorset and later of Stratfield Saye, bought the estate for £4,800 in 1629. Further extensive alterations were carried out to the house and park in the 18th century by George Pitt, 1st Baron Rivers. The estate was sold to the nation in 1817, in order that it could be given by a grateful nation to the victorious Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke