The younger Pitt was a fragile, sickly child, with inherited gout. Because of his debilitating ailments, he was taught at home by Rev. Edward Wilson, a Cambridge graduate. At University, Pitt worked hard and showed a reserved, aloof and self- controlled character. He graduated with an MA, without examination, in 1776. His father chose Cambridge because, having been educated there, he did not want his son to go to Oxford.
Port is the most toxic of all wines and the prescribed remedy probably exacerbated the problem.
Pitt was only fourteen years old but he continued to drink throughout his life. Henry Addington commented 'Mr. Pitt liked a glass of port very well, and a bottle better'. Whilst he was at university Pitt became friendly with Lord Camden and several peers, which stood him in good stead when he entered political life. He ran into debt and stayed that way until death. He was called to the Bar in June 1780 and joined Western Circuit.