Clan Hamilton
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The House of Hamilton is a Scottish family who had historically had broad territories throughout central and southern Scotland, particularly Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and the Lothians.
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[edit] History
[edit] Origins of the House
The name Hamilton is believed to originate from a Norman called Walter FitzGilbert of Hambledon who moved to Renfrewshire. He is fisrt mentioned in a charter in 1294 given to Paisley Monastery for the privlege of being able to fish for Herring in the River Clyde.
[edit] Wars of Scottish Independence
During the Wars of Scottish Independence the Hamiltons initially supported the English and Fitz Gilbert Hamilton was governor of Bothwell Castle on behalf of the English. However he later came across to Robert the Bruce's side and was rewarded with a portion of land which had been confiscated from the Clan Comyn/Cumming. Among his new property was the Barony and lands of Cadzow which in time would become the town of Hamilton.
In 1346 the Hamiltons fought for King David II of Scotland at the Battle of Neville's Cross. Sir David Hamilton was captured and not released until a large ransom was paid.
[edit] 15th Century
In the 15th century the Hamiltons gained more royal support when in 1474 James the 1st Lord Hamilton married Princess Mary, the daughter of King James II of Scotland. Their son was made the Earl of Arran and stood next in line for the throne.
[edit] 16th Century & Anglo-Scottish Wars
During the 16th century the Hamiltons made their home on the Island of Arran in 1503 and for most of that century a Hamilton was close to inheriting the Crown. The 2nd Earl of Arran was heir to the throne both of King James IV of Scotland and Mary Queen of Scots. As Mary's regent he enjoyed her wealth and was bribed into allegiance with both England and France.
In 1545 the Earl led his men into battle at the Battle of Ancrum Moor where they helped to defeat the English during the Anglo-Scottish Wars.He died
Arran's eldest son James, was a commander in the Scots Royal Guards of François II of France. A possible suitor of the widowed Mary, he eventually lost his mind at the age of 26 and was confined for the remaining 47 years of his life.
Arran's third son John was made Marquess of Hamilton in 1599 and was keeper of Edinburgh and Stirling Castles. His son James succeeded in 1604 to his father's titles, and in 1609 to his uncle's.
Previously, in 1587 Arrans brother Claud had been made first Lord Paisley. Paisley had fought at the Battle of Langside, but descended in later years into insanity. His son James had been created Baron Abercorn in 1603, and in 1606 Earl of Abercorn, Lord Paisley, Hamilton, Mountcashell and Kilpatrick for his assisstance to King James VI at the Union of the Crowns. Abercorn predeceased his father, and his son James, Master of Abercorn succeeded to his fathers titles in 1618. He had already been made Baron Hamilton of Strabane in the Peerage of Ireland in 1617. Claud, Lord Paisley died in or around 1621 and his grandson inherited his Lordship of Parliament. The Irish title came with significant property in Co. Tyrone, Ulster, and this branch of the family is now represented by James Hamilton, 5th Duke of Abercorn. The Abercorns although a junior branch of the family are the heirs male to the chieftancy.
[edit] Civil War
The Hamiltons under the third Marquess of Arran supported King Charles I during the Civil War. The Marquess was made Duke of Hamilton in 1643. He was beheaded with his King in London in 1649. William Hamilton the second Duke was killed at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
[edit] Seat of the Chief
Hamilton Palace , Hamilton, South Lanarkshire had been the Family's Seat from 1695, built by Duchess Anne, and her husband William Douglas, 3rd Duke of Hamilton. It had the distinction of being the largest non-royal residence in Europe, reaching it's greatest extent under the 10th and the 11th Dukes. in the mid nineteenth century.
However, excessive subsidence of the palace, (by the families own mines!) caused its condemnation and demolition in 1921. The 13th Duke then moved to Dungavel House, near Strathaven.
It was here that deputy-führer Rudolph Hess was aiming for during his doomed peace mission, to see the Douglas, 14th Duke of Hamilton in 1941.
In 1947, Dungavel was sold to the coal board, and then on to the government, who turned it into an open prison. Currently, it is the site of a controversial holding centre for asylum-seekers.
The family moved to Lennoxlove House in East Lothian, where today it remains the residence of the Angus Alan Douglas-Hamilton, the 15th Duke.
[edit] Other Properties
- Cadzow Castle, Hamilton, Lanarkshire
- Brodick Castle, Brodick,Isle of Arran
- Kinneil Castle, Bo'ness, West Lothian
- Chelsea Place, London
- Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
