William Pitt the Elder
May 11 William Pitt the Elder, British Prime Minister (Whig, 1756-61, 66-68) known as the `Great Commoner', dies at 69
- May 16 Robert Darcy, 4th Earl of Holderness, English diplomat and politician, dies at 59
Voltaire
May 30 Voltaire [Francois-Marie Arouet], French writer, philosopher and playwright (Candide), dies at 83
