Baron Hamilton of Strabane facts for kids

Lord Hamilton, Baron of Strabane, is an important title in the Peerage of Ireland. A "peerage" is a special system of titles for nobles, like dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons. These titles are usually passed down through families.

The title of Lord Hamilton, Baron of Strabane, was first created on May 8, 1617. It was given to James Hamilton, who was the eldest son of James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Abercorn. At this time, James was only about 13 years old! The title was created with a special rule: it could only be passed down to the male heirs of his father.

In 1633, after he got married, James Hamilton decided to give his Irish lands and his title back to the King. He wanted his younger brother, Claud, to have them. So, the title was officially recreated for Claud on August 14, 1634. Even though it was recreated later, it kept its original importance from 1617.

Later, the Lords Hamilton became even more important. They went from being Barons to Earls, then Marquesses, and finally Dukes of Abercorn.

One of the most famous Lords Hamilton was Claud Hamilton, who was the 5th Baron and 4th Earl. He was a close friend of King James II. When King James II lost his throne, Claud went with him into exile. Claud also fought in the Battle of the Boyne, where his side lost. Because of this, he lost his Irish title and lands. However, he died shortly after, in August 1691. His brother, Charles, was able to get the title back on May 24, 1692.

Another important figure was James Hamilton, 6th Earl of Abercorn. He was from a different branch of the family, but he inherited the Barony of Strabane in 1701. He had supported William of Orange and helped defend Derry during the Siege of Derry. Because of his loyalty, his Irish title was made even more important, becoming Viscount Strabane.

Much later, James Hamilton, who was the second Marquess of Abercorn, became the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1868. This was a very high position, like a representative of the King or Queen in Ireland. At this time, he was given the highest title of all: Duke of Abercorn. He also became Marquess of Hamilton of Strabane. These were considered promotions of his existing Irish titles, which was important because of rules about creating new Irish titles after the Act of Union 1800.

Lords Hamilton, Barons of Strabane (1617 to today)

Here are some of the people who held the title of Lord Hamilton, Baron of Strabane:

• James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Abercorn and 1st Baron Hamilton of Strabane (around 1614 – around 1670)
  • He gave up the title in 1633.
• Claud Hamilton, 2nd Baron Hamilton of Strabane (died 1638)
  • He was the brother of the previous Lord Hamilton.
• James Hamilton, 3rd Baron Hamilton of Strabane (1633–1655)
• George Hamilton, 4th Baron Hamilton of Strabane (died 1668)
  • He was the brother of the previous Lord Hamilton.
• Claud Hamilton, 4th Earl of Abercorn and 5th Baron Hamilton of Strabane (1658–1691)
  • He lost the title in 1691 but it was later returned.
• Charles Hamilton, 5th Earl of Abercorn and 6th Baron Hamilton of Strabane (died 1701)
  • He was the brother of the previous Lord Hamilton. He got the title back in 1692.

To learn about more people who held this title, you can look at the article about the Duke of Abercorn.

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