| James Hamilton | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1620 |
| Died | 6 June 1673 |
| Buried at | Westminster Abbey |
James Hamilton (c. 1620 – 6 June 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 28 October 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:
Col. Hamilton had one of his legs blown off by a cannonball in a sea-fight with the Dutch (presumably the Battle of Schooneveld), and died as a result thereof on 6 June 1673. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.