Alfred Douglas-Hamilton, 13th Duke of Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Hamilton
TD, DL
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| Born | 6 March 1862 Shanklin, Isle of Wight, England |
| Died | 16 March 1940 (aged 78) Ferne House, Dorset, England |
| Title | 13th Duke of Hamilton |
| Tenure | 1895–1940 |
| Other titles | 10th Duke of Brandon 9th Earl of Selkirk |
| Spouse(s) |
Nina Mary Benita Poore
(m. 1901) |
| Issue | Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, 14th Duke of Hamilton Lady Jean Douglas-Hamilton George Douglas-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Selkirk Lady Margaret Douglas-Hamilton Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton Lord David Douglas-Hamilton Lady Mairi Nina Douglas-Hamilton |
| Parents | Captain Charles Douglas-Hamilton |
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Alfred Douglas Douglas-Hamilton (born March 6, 1862 – died March 16, 1940) was a Scottish nobleman and a brave sailor. He held the title of the 13th Duke of Hamilton and the 10th Duke of Brandon. He was known for his amazing swimming skills and his family's important history.
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Alfred was born in Shanklin, on the Isle of Wight, in 1862. His father was Captain Charles Douglas-Hamilton. From a young age, Alfred joined the Royal Navy as a lieutenant.
He became famous for a very unusual skill. He could dive under huge battleships without any special equipment. He would then pop up on the other side, surprising everyone on board!
In 1888, his cousin, the 12th Duke of Hamilton, asked him to leave the navy. Alfred was next in line to become the Duke, as his cousin had no sons.
Becoming the Duke of Hamilton
In 1890, Alfred became very ill with a rare tropical disease. He caught it while serving overseas in the navy. This illness caused him to be partly paralysed for a time.
Luckily, Alfred recovered. In 1895, he officially became the 13th Duke of Hamilton.
Family Estates and Homes
When Alfred became Duke, he inherited many family properties. However, he also inherited a very large debt of £1 million. Many other family properties went to his cousin's daughter, Lady Mary. These included Brodick Castle on the Island of Arran. The Hamilton family had owned Brodick Castle for 500 years.
One important home that stayed with the family was Hamilton Palace. This was the main family home. The new Duke also had the special job of being the hereditary keeper of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
During the First World War, Duke Alfred offered Hamilton Palace to the Royal Navy. It was used as a hospital for injured soldiers. After the war, the palace had to be taken down. This was because the ground beneath it was sinking. This problem was caused by the family's own coal mines.
After Hamilton Palace was demolished, the Duke lived at Dungavel House. This home had been a hunting lodge on the moors near Strathaven.
Military Roles
Duke Alfred also held important honorary military positions. He was an honorary lieutenant-colonel in the 4th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry. He was also an honorary colonel in the 6th Battalion, the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).
Alfred Douglas Douglas-Hamilton passed away on March 16, 1940. He was 78 years old and died at his family's home in Dorset, called Ferne House.
Marriage and Children
On December 4, 1901, Alfred married Nina Mary Benita Poore. They were married at the parish church in Newton Tony, Wiltshire. Nina was a strong supporter of animal welfare. She founded the Animal Defence and Anti-Vivisection Society.
Alfred and Nina had seven children:
- Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, 14th Duke of Hamilton
- Lady Jean Douglas-Hamilton
- George Douglas-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Selkirk
- Lady Margaret Douglas-Hamilton
- Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton
- Lord David Douglas-Hamilton
- Lady Mairi Nina Douglas-Hamilton
His sons made history in the RAF (Royal Air Force). When World War II began, all four of them held the rank of Squadron Leader or higher.
Images for kids
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William Douglas-Hamilton, 12th Duke of Hamilton, Alfred's cousin who persuaded him to leave the navy.
