Basil Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Basil Hamilton
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| Member of Parliament for Kirkcudbright | |
| In office 1741–1742 |
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| Preceded by | Patrick Heron |
| Succeeded by | John Maxwell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 September 1696 |
| Died | 14 November 1742 (aged 46) |
| Spouse | Isabella Mackenzie |
| Relations | William Hamilton, Duke of Hamilton (grandfather) Anne Hamilton, 3rd Duchess of Hamilton (grandmother) William Cochrane, 7th Earl of Dundonald (nephew) |
| Children | 4, including Dunbar Douglas, 4th Earl of Selkirk |
| Parents | Lord Basil Hamilton Mary Dunbar |
Basil Hamilton (born September 8, 1696 – died November 14, 1742) was a Scottish Jacobite. A Jacobite was someone who supported the return of the Stuart royal family to the British throne. He was also a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to help make laws for the country.
Contents
Who Was Basil Hamilton?
His Family Background
Basil Hamilton was the second son of Lord Basil Hamilton and Mary Dunbar. His family was quite important. His father was the sixth son of William Hamilton, Duke of Hamilton and Anne Hamilton, who was the Duchess of Hamilton in her own right.
Basil had an older brother named William. William inherited their father's estate, Baldoon, but he passed away young. After William's death, Basil inherited the Baldoon estate. He also had two sisters, Eleanor and Catherine.
Early Life and Challenges
Basil Hamilton lived during a time of political unrest in Britain. Many people, called Jacobites, wanted to bring back the old royal family, the Stuarts. Basil was one of these supporters.
Basil Hamilton's Political Journey
The Jacobite Uprising of 1715
In 1715, when Basil was still a young man, there was a big event called the Jacobite rising of 1715. This was an attempt by the Jacobites to take control of the country. Basil Hamilton joined the uprising. He led a group of horsemen.
During this time, he was captured at the Battle of Preston. He faced serious consequences for his involvement. However, his uncle, Lord Orkney, used his influence to help him. Basil was eventually pardoned.
His family's lands were taken away for a while. But his mother successfully argued to get them back. The decision to take his lands was officially reversed in 1733.
Entering Parliament
Basil Hamilton continued to be involved in politics. In 1734, he tried to become a Member of Parliament for Dumfries Burghs. He was supported by the Duke of Buccleuch, but he did not win that election.
Even though he was a Jacobite, he advised against another uprising in 1739. He believed it was not the right time for such a move.
In 1741, Basil Hamilton was successfully elected to Parliament. He represented the area of Kirkcudbright. He served as a Member of Parliament for about a year. Sadly, he passed away the following year in 1742.
His Personal Life
Marriage and Children
Around 1719, Basil Hamilton married Isabella Mackenzie. They had two sons and two daughters together:
- Mary Hamilton (1720–1750), who married Ranald Macdonald of Clanranald.
- Elizabeth Hamilton (born 1721), who died when she was young.
- Dunbar Hamilton (1722–1799), who later became the 4th Earl of Selkirk.
- Basil Hamilton, who also died young.
Isabella, his wife, passed away in 1725. Basil Hamilton himself died on November 14, 1742.
