Douglas Proby facts for kids

Douglas James Proby (born 23 September 1856, died 18 November 1931) was an important British figure. He was a soldier and a politician. For part of his life, he was known as Douglas James Hamilton until 1904. He also held roles like Deputy Lieutenant (DL) and Justice of the Peace (JP). A Deputy Lieutenant helps the Lord Lieutenant of a county, who represents the King or Queen. A Justice of the Peace is a volunteer who helps with local court duties.

Early Life and Education

Douglas James Proby was born Douglas Hamilton. His father was Lord Claud Hamilton and his mother was Lady Elizabeth Emma. His family had important connections, including John Hamilton, 1st Marquess of Abercorn, who was his great-grandfather. In 1904, he officially changed his last name to Proby. This was done with a special permission called a Royal licence.

He went to Eton College, a famous school. Later, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1879. Much later, in 1912, he also earned a Master of Arts degree.

Military Service

Douglas Proby began his military career in January 1880. He became a 2nd lieutenant in the 109th Regiment of Foot. Soon after, he moved to the Coldstream Guards. This is a very old and respected part of the British Army.

He saw action in several conflicts:

• Anglo-Egyptian War (1882): He fought with the 1st Battalion during this war in Egypt.
• Mahdist War: He then joined the 2nd Battalion in the Mahdist War in Sudan. He took part in the Battle of Suakin in 1888.

After these wars, he continued to rise through the ranks. In 1891, he became a captain. He then transferred to the 5th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. From 1897, he helped recruit new soldiers around Glasgow. He was promoted to major in 1898. In 1900, he joined the Irish Guards. Four years later, he became a lieutenant-colonel. He was promoted to brevet-colonel in 1907 and retired from active service in 1908. During World War I, from 1914 to 1917, he commanded a regimental district.

Political and Public Roles

Douglas Proby also had a career in politics. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Saffron Walden. He won this seat in the January 1910 general election. However, he lost his seat in the December general election later that same year. He did not return to Parliament after that.

Beyond Parliament, he held other important public roles:

• High Sheriff: In 1923, he was appointed High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire. A High Sheriff is a ceremonial officer for a county.
• Justice of the Peace: He served as a Justice of the Peace for both Northamptonshire and Hampshire.
• Deputy Lieutenant: He was also a Deputy Lieutenant for Hampshire and County Wicklow in Ireland.
• Order of St John: He was recognized for his service by being made an Officer of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem (OStJ).

Family Life

On 6 July 1882, Douglas Proby married Lady Margaret Frances Hely-Hutchinson. She was the daughter of Richard Hely-Hutchinson, 4th Earl of Donoughmore. They had four sons and one daughter together.

Douglas Proby passed away in 1931 at his home, Elton Hall. His oldest son, Granville, later became a lord-lieutenant. His third son, Richard, was given the special title of baronet.