Archie Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Hamilton of Epsom
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Official portrait, 2020
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| Minister of State for the Armed Forces | |
| In office 25 July 1988 – 27 May 1993 |
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| Prime Minister | Margaret Thatcher John Major |
| Preceded by | Ian Stewart |
| Succeeded by | Jeremy Hanley |
| Member of Parliament for Epsom and Ewell |
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| In office 27 April 1978 – 14 May 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Peter Rawlinson |
| Succeeded by | Chris Grayling |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| Assumed office 17 June 2005 Life Peerage |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 December 1941 |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Portfolio | Trustee of Supporting Wounded Veterans, President of the Lest We Forget Association |
Archibald Gavin Hamilton, known as Lord Hamilton of Epsom, was born on December 30, 1941. He is a British politician from the Conservative Party. He is a member of the House of Lords and used to be a Minister for the Armed Forces under Prime Minister John Major.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Archibald Hamilton is the second son of the 3rd Baron Hamilton of Dalzell. His father was a Lord-in-waiting to the Queen, which is a special role in the Royal Household. Archibald was born at Beckington Castle in Somerset, which was his parents' country home at the time. He went to Eton College, a famous school in England.
Political Journey
Starting in Local Politics
Hamilton began his political career as a Conservative councillor. He served on the Kensington and Chelsea council from 1968 to 1971.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
He first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for Dagenham in 1974, but he did not win. Later, in 1978, he won a special election for the seat of Epsom and Ewell. He held this seat in Parliament until he retired in 2001.
Roles in Government
During his time as an MP, Hamilton held several important positions:
- He was a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) for the Secretary of State for Energy (1979–1981) and Transport (1981–1982). A PPS helps a government minister.
- From 1982 to 1984, he was an Assistant Conservative Whip. Whips help make sure party members vote together.
- He worked for the Treasury from 1984 to 1986.
- From 1986 to 1987, he was a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence.
- He also served as PPS to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher from 1987 to 1988.
- From 1988 to 1993, he was the Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, specifically for the Armed Forces.
- In 1991, he became a Privy Councillor, which is a special honor given to senior politicians.
- From 1997 to 2001, he was the Chairman of the 1922 Committee, a group of Conservative MPs.
Later Parliamentary Work
While an MP, he was part of the Standards and Privileges Committee, which looks at the rules and ethics for members of Parliament. He also served on the Intelligence and Security Committee from 1994 to 1997.
In 1994, he was made a Knight Bachelor, which means he received the title "Sir."
Joining the House of Lords
In 2005, Archibald Hamilton was made a life peer. This means he was given the title of Baron Hamilton of Epsom and became a member of the House of Lords for life. Since 2015, he has been a member of the Joint Committee for the National Security Strategy.
Recent Discussions
In March 2025, during a debate in the House of Lords about a memorial, Lord Hamilton made some comments that were later seen as inappropriate. He apologized for his remarks, stating they were not meant to be offensive.
Personal Life
Archibald Hamilton enjoys playing bridge, a card game. He is part of the House of Lords bridge team and the All Party Parliamentary Bridge Group.
In 1968, he married Anne Catherine Napier. Anne is a sculptor and painter. They have three daughters and several grandchildren. Their youngest daughter, Alice Rose Alethea Hamilton, married Dominic Johnson, who is a financier and government minister.
Lord Hamilton is a trustee for "Supporting Wounded Veterans," an organization that helps injured service members. He is also the president of the "Lest We Forget Association."
Images for kids
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Coronet of a Baron
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Coat of Arms of Lord Hamilton of Epsom
