Charles Hamilton, 5th Earl of Haddington facts for kids
Charles Hamilton, 5th Earl of Haddington (born in 1650 – died in May 1685), was an important Scottish nobleman. He inherited his family's titles and lands.
Life of Charles Hamilton
Charles Hamilton was born in 1650. He was the only son of John Hamilton, 4th Earl of Haddington, and Lady Christian Lindsay who lived past infancy. From birth, he was known as Lord Binning.
Charles became the Earl of Haddington in 1669, after his father passed away. He didn't get deeply involved in politics himself. However, he did support his relative, the Duke of Hamilton, in some of his dealings. Charles also refused to sign a special Scottish law called the Test Act in 1681. This decision made him step even further away from public life.
Charles Hamilton was known for supporting some religious figures. For example, he helped Gilbert Rule set up a meeting-house near Prestonkirk in Haddingtonshire. This meeting-house was approved by the government in 1679.
Charles Hamilton passed away in May 1685. He died at Tyninghame House in East Lothian, Scotland.
Family and Marriage
Lord Haddington married Lady Margaret Leslie. She was the daughter of John Leslie, 1st Duke of Rothes. Lady Margaret was set to inherit her father's earldom of Rothes, but not his dukedom.
To make sure the Rothes title continued, a special agreement was made when they married. Their first son would take the last name Leslie and inherit the Earldom of Rothes. Their second son would inherit the Earldom of Haddington.
Charles and Margaret had four children:
- John Hamilton-Leslie, 9th Earl of Rothes
- Thomas Hamilton, 6th Earl of Haddington
- Hon. Charles Hamilton (who died when he was young)
- Lady Anna Hamilton (who died as a baby)
