James Hamilton (colonel)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other persons named James Hamilton, see James Hamilton (disambiguation).
James Hamilton (c. 1620 – June 6, 1673) was an Irish courtier and soldier, the eldest son of Sir George Hamilton, 1st Baronet and Mary Butler.
Like his younger brothers, he chose a military career, and became a colonel. A favorite of Charles II, he was appointed Ranger of Hyde Park in 1660 and Groom of the Bedchamber on October 28, 1664. He was responsible for the partial enclosure of Hyde Park and its re-stocking with deer. Hamilton Place, in the vicinity of Hyde Park, is named for him.
Hamilton was known for his fine manners and dress and his gallantry. An admirer of the Countess of Chesterfield, his first cousin, he carried on a romance with her by turning her husband's suspicion on the Duke of York, only to discover that York was courting her as well.
In 1661, he married Elizabeth Colepeper, daughter of John Colepeper, 1st Baron Colepeper by his second marriage. They had three sons:
- James Hamilton, 6th Earl of Abercorn (c. 1661–1734)
- Col. George Hamilton (d. August 3, 1692, Battle of Steenkerque)
- William Hamilton (aft. 1662–1737), married his cousin Margaret Colepeper and had issue
Col. Hamilton had one of his legs carried away by a cannonball in a sea-fight with the Dutch (presumably the Battle of Schooneveld), and died in consequence thereof on June 6, 1673. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.
