Page:Dictionary of National Biography volume 45.djvu/375

 died on 12 Jan. 1765, left his estate at Burton-Pynsent in the parish of Curry-Rivell, and nearly 3,000l. a year, to Chatham, with whom he was personally unacquainted. The validity of the will was unsuccessfully disputed by the Rev. Sir Robert Pynsent, a cousin of the testator. Chatham erected a column (commonly known as the Burton steeple) in memory of his benefactor. A portion of the old mansion-house is still standing. On the death of Chatham's widow the estate passed by sale to the Pinney family. When Chatham came into possession of Burton-Pynsent, he sold Hayes to the Hon. Thomas Walpole. But on falling ill he became possessed with a morbid belief that only the air of Hayes would restore his health, and Walpole was persuaded to sell it back to him (ib. iii. 30-3; Chatham Correspondence, iii. 289-92). Chatham returned to Hayes in December 1767, and it continued his favourite residence for the rest of his life. Hayes Place was sold in 1785 to Mr. (afterwards Sir) James Bond, and by him, in 1789, to George, viscount Lewisham (afterwards third Earl of Dartmouth). It is now the residence of Mr. Everard Alexander Hambro. In the chancel of Hayes church, adjoining the grounds, are hung the banners which were borne at Chatham's funeral in Westminster Abbey. Chatham occupied North End House, Hampstead, in 1766, and during part of his mysterious illness in 1767. The house, which is now called Wildwood House, has undergone considerable alterations; but Chatham's room, concerning which Howitt relates some very curious particulars, still remains (Northern Heights of London, 1869, p. 82).

 PITT, WILLIAM (1759–1806), stateman, second son of, first earl of Chatham [q. v.], and Hester, daughter of Richard Grenville, was born at Hayes, near Bromley, Kent, on 28 May 1759. As a child he was precocious and eager, and at seven years old looked forward to following in his father's steps (Chatham Correspondence, ii. 393-4). His health being extremely delicate, he was educated at home. His father took much interest in his studies, preparing him to excel as an orator by setting him to translate verbally, and, at sight, passages from Greek and Latin authors, and hearing him recite. When thirteen years old he composed a tragedy—'Laurentino, King of Chersonese'—which he and his brothers and sisters acted at his father's house. It is extant in 