1820

Blackburn Hundred Pitt Club
British Historical Medals 841 - 1814 British Historical Medals 841 - 1814
Obv. Bust of William Pitt, the Younger, facing left.
Legend, GULIELMUS PITT / NON SIBI SED PATRIE VIXIT
  (He lived not for himself but for his country)
Rev. Inscription within wreath NATUS / XXVIII MAII / MDCCLIX / OBIIT / XXIII JANUARII / MDCCCVI
Outer legend, BLACKBURN HUNDRED PITT CLUB
Exergue, 1820
AR 41 by F. Halliday
 
   William Pitt the Younger was one of the diplomats that helped set the pattern of British resistance to Napoleon's dominance of Europe. His impact can be seen by the proliferation of medals commemorating his life and death, and the widespread introduction of Pitt Clubs throughout England. As you can see, the Blackburn Club was still active 14 years after Pitt's death.
   This medal is not listed in the 1980 edition of Brown's British Historical Medals. Despite that there are at least 12 similar medals from different clubs across the country.
  It's said that when Pitt heard news of the battle of Austerlitz he said words to the effect "Roll up the map of Europe, we'll not be rid of him for ten years."; and then he died. Like all good stories, even if it isn't true it should be.
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