Claud Hamilton of Shawfield facts for kids

Sir Claud Hamilton of Shawfield (who died in 1614) was an important person in Scotland and Ireland. He was also known as Claud of Leckprevick. He was a younger son of Claud Hamilton, 1st Lord Paisley, a Scottish nobleman. Sir Claud worked closely with King James VI of Scotland (who later became King James I of England). He also helped with a big project called the Plantation of Ulster in Ireland and was a royal advisor there.

Claud's Early Life

Claud was born sometime between 1575 and 1585. He likely grew up in Paisley, Scotland, where his parents lived. His father was Claud Hamilton, 1st Lord Paisley, and his mother was Margaret Seton. Claud was their third son. His father's family, the House of Hamilton, was very old and important in Scotland.

Claud's mother, Margaret Seton, was the daughter of George Seton, 7th Lord Seton. Both of Claud's parents were Scottish. They got married in 1574 at Niddry Castle in Scotland.

Many of Claud's brothers and sisters died when they were very young. Six of his siblings grew up to be adults. You can find their names in his father's article.

Working for the King

When Claud Hamilton was about 18 years old, he became a "gentleman of the privy chamber" for the young King James VI of Scotland. This meant he worked very closely with the King. Since King James was raised as a Protestant, Claud likely became a Protestant too around this time.

In 1603, King James became King of England as well, uniting the crowns of Scotland and England. Claud probably moved to London to continue his work for the King. He was paid a salary for his service.

Claud's Family

In 1602, Sir Claud married Janet Hamilton in Paisley, Scotland. Janet was the only child of Robert Hamilton of Leckprevick. Because of this marriage, Claud also became known as "of Leckprevick." The lands of Leckprevick and Easter Greenlees were in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Claud and Janet had six sons and three daughters:

• William (born around 1604, died 1662)
• Alexander (born after 1605), who died young
• Robert (died 1657)
• Claud
• James, who never married
• George, who never married

Their daughters were:

• Margaret, who married John Stewart of Methven and later Sir John Seton of Gargunnock.
• Grizel, who married William Baillie of Lamington.
• Janet, who was mentioned in her mother's will.

The Plantation of Ulster

In September 1607, many Irish leaders left Ireland in an event known as the flight of the earls. This opened the way for the Plantation of Ulster, a plan to settle Protestants from Scotland and England in Ulster, Ireland.

Like his older brothers, James and George, Claud became an "undertaker" in this plantation. An undertaker was someone who agreed to bring settlers and develop land in Ireland.

Claud Hamilton of Shawfield was given land in areas called Killeny and Teadane (or Eden). The land of Teadane was in County Londonderry.

Around 1618 or 1619, Hamilton built a castle on his land. This castle was near the village of Donemana. Today, the ruins of Earlsgift Castle might be on the same spot.

It is known that Claud Hamilton was a knight, meaning he had been given the title "Sir." He was first called "Sir Claud" when he became involved in the Plantation of Ulster.

Later Life and Death

Claud Hamilton became a member of the Privy Council of Ireland on February 11, 1613. This council advised the King on matters related to Ireland.

His wife, Janet, passed away in September 1613.

Sir Claud Hamilton of Shawfield died in Dublin, Ireland, on October 19, 1614. A letter from that time describes his final moments. He died before his father, who passed away in 1621, and his mother, who died in 1616. His eldest son, William, took over his estate much later, in 1629.

Avoiding Confusion: Other Claud Hamiltons

It's easy to mix up Sir Claud Hamilton of Shawfield (who died in 1614) with other important people named Claud Hamilton.

For example, there was a Sir Claud Hamilton (who died in 1640) who was in charge of the Fort of Toome. He was the son of Sir Claud Hamilton of Cocknogh.

There was also Sir Claud Hamilton of Clonyn (who died before 1618). He was granted lands in County Cavan. His son was Sir Francis Hamilton, 1st Baronet, of Killock.

These were all different people, even though they shared the same name and lived around the same time!

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