Pitt statue

Have you ever noticed the imposing figure standing tall at the intersection of George Street and Frederick Street? This is the Pitt statue, a monument to William Pitt the Younger, a prominent statesman who became Britain’s youngest ever Prime Minister at the age of 21. He held office for over twenty years, during which time he played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the nation and dealing with the French Revolution. This statue was a tribute by the Pitt Club, a group of Edinburgh citizens who admired the statesman, who was also known as “The Younger Pitt” to distinguish him from his own father, William Pitt the Elder, also a prominent Prime Minister. The statue is a copy of the one in Hanover Square in London, created by the celebrated sculptor Sir Francis Chantrey, and it was erected in 1833. Its presence here in Edinburgh was a bold statement of the city’s significance as an intellectual hub. The inscription on the pedestal reads, “Pitt born MDCCLIX died MDCCCVI erected MDCCCXXXIII.” This statue is more than just a piece of bronze. It’s a testament to a time when Scotland was a key player in shaping the course of Europe. So, as you stand before this towering figure, take time to absorb the stories that emanate from this corner of Edinburgh.