MANCHESTER PITT CLUB

WYON, Thomas, Jr. (after H. Howard): England, 1813, Silver, 50 mm
Obv: Bust of William Pitt    Rt HONBLE WILLIAM PITT   Below:  MANCHESTER PITT CLUB 1813
Rev: An allegory of Pitt rousing the Genius of Great Britain to resist the demons of Anarchy who have overthrown Religion and Royalty. The Virtues, (l) await the result.
Exergue:  HIMSELF AN HOST
Signed:  WYON (in script)
The medal is frosted and set within a watch-style glass case, bound by a silver frame with a suspension loop.
In original case of issue. Inside case is a round paper inscribed: "Pitt rousing the Genius of the British Isles to the resistance of the Fiends of Anarchy, who in their first eruption have overthrown Royalty and Religion, whilst the virtues in silent and deep anxiety are awaiting the event."
Ref: Eimer 130/1039; BHM 186/77l ; Hocking 247/10

William Pitt (1759-1806) was the son of William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, and Lady Hester Grenville. Pitt was a precocious child, entering Cambridge at 14, and in 1783, at the tender age of 24, became the youngest prime minister on record, the Tories and friends of George III helping him to attain this post. As prime minister he is remembered for his tough policies against corruption, fiscal reform, shifting power toward the House of Commons and the union with Ireland.
Unlike his father, Pitt the Younger had a talent for finance. He restructured Britain's finances, negotiated new tariffs with France and faired well in office until 1793 when France declared war - the beginning of years of conflict. In 1798 the Irish revolted against his policies. His solution, the Act of Union 1800, included Catholic emancipation which was rejected by the king. Pitt resigned in protest in 1801.
Returning as prime minister in 1804, he gained the support of the Austrian, Russian and Swedish leaders in an attempt to defeat Napoleon's armies. The news of Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz in 1806 is said to have caused Pitt's death. (Britannia.com)

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