William Pitt (courtier)

Sir William Pitt (1559 - 29 May 1636) was an English courtier and politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1614 and 1625.
Pitt was the son of John Pitt, clerk of the exchequer to Queen Elizabeth, and his wife Joan Swayne, daughter of John Swayne. He became comptroller of the household and a principal officer of the exchequer in the reign of James I. He acquired the manor of Stratfield Turgis from the Marquis of Winchester inl the reign of James I and also acquired property at Stratfield Saye.

In 1614, Pitt was elected Member of Parliament for Wareham. He was knighted at Theobalds on 2 February 1619. In 1621 he was re-elected MP for Wareham. In 1624 he intended that his son Edward should be his fellow member at Wareham but the mayor opposed this and Edward was returned for Poole instead. Pitt was re-elected MP for Wareham in 1625. In about 1630 he extensively enlarged his property at Stratfield Saye House.
Pitt died at the age of about 76 at Stratfield Saye, Hampshire and had an imposing monument erected in the church by his son Edward.
Pitt married Edith Cadbury, daughter of Nicholas Cadbury of Arne, Dorset. His son Edward inherited Stratfield Saye House and was also an MP.