George Hamilton, 1st Earl of Orkney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Orkney
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Portrait by Martin Maingaud, 1724
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| Born | 9 February 1666 Hamilton Palace, South Lanarkshire |
| Died | 29 January 1737 (aged 70) London, England |
| Buried |
Taplow Court, Buckinghamshire
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| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Scotland Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service/ |
Royal Scots Army British Army |
| Rank | Field Marshal |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Knight of the Order of the Thistle |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Villiers |
| Children |
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George Hamilton, 1st Earl of Orkney (born February 9, 1666 – died January 29, 1737), was a very important British soldier and a Scottish nobleman. He was the first officer in the British Army to become a Field Marshal. This is the highest rank in the army.
George Hamilton started his military career fighting for William of Orange in Ireland. He then fought in Europe during the Nine Years' War. Later, he played a big part in the War of the Spanish Succession. He led a major attack at the Battle of Blenheim and a brave charge at the Battle of Malplaquet. In his later years, he became a close advisor to King George I. He also became the Governor of Edinburgh Castle.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
George Hamilton was born into an important Scottish family. His father was William Douglas, 1st Earl of Selkirk. His mother was Anne, 3rd Duchess of Hamilton.
He joined the army on May 9, 1684. He was part of the His Majesty's Royal Regiment of Foot. His uncle, Lord Dumbarton, was in charge of this regiment.
Military Adventures
Fighting in Ireland and Europe
George Hamilton quickly rose through the ranks. In June 1689, he became a lieutenant colonel. He was promoted to brevet colonel soon after. He led his regiment in many important battles during the Williamite War in Ireland. These included the Battle of the Boyne in July 1690 and the siege of Athlone in June 1691.
He was wounded at the Battle of Aughrim in July 1691. He also fought at the siege of Limerick in October 1691. After this, he became the colonel of the Royal Fusiliers in January 1692. He then fought in Europe during the Nine Years' War. He was at the Battle of Steenkerque in August 1692. He was also wounded at the siege of Namur in July 1695.
On November 25, 1695, George Hamilton married Elizabeth Villiers. On January 3, 1696, he was given the titles Earl of Orkney, Viscount Kirkwall, and Baron Dechmont. He bought the large estates of Taplow Court and Cliveden. He was also made Governor of Virginia in 1698, but he never actually visited the colony.
The War of the Spanish Succession
George Hamilton became a major general in March 1702. He fought under the famous commander John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough during the War of the Spanish Succession. He was promoted to lieutenant general in January 1704. Later that year, he became a Knight of the Order of the Thistle.
In August 1704, he led the final attack at the Battle of Blenheim. His soldiers stormed the village churchyard. They made the French soldiers guarding it surrender. In June 1705, he marched his troops to help the city of Liège, which was under attack.
At the Battle of Ramillies in May 1706, Hamilton started a clever move that turned into a very successful attack. He then chased the defeated French army. He also helped in the siege of Menin in July 1706. He played a big part in the Battle of Oudenarde in July 1708.
In September 1709, he led a very brave but bloody charge at the Battle of Malplaquet. His fifteen infantry battalions attacked the French defenses. He was promoted to general of foot in 1710. He continued to serve in the army until 1713.
Later Life and Achievements
After his long military career, George Hamilton became a Lord of the Bedchamber for King George I in 1714. This meant he was a personal attendant to the King. He was also made Governor of Edinburgh Castle that same year. He also served in the House of Lords as a Scottish representative.
On January 31, 1735, he was promoted to Field Marshal. This was a very special moment because he was the first person ever to receive this rank. Later that year, he had a beautiful temple built at his home, Cliveden, in Buckinghamshire. The famous architect Giacomo Leoni designed it.
George Hamilton died in London on January 29, 1737. He was buried at Taplow Court. In 1733, a sculptor named Michael Rysbrack made a marble statue of Hamilton. It showed him as a Roman soldier. This statue is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Family Life
In 1695, George Hamilton married Elizabeth Villiers. They had three daughters:
- Lady Anne, who later became the Countess of Orkney herself. She married William O'Brien, 4th Earl of Inchiquin.
- Lady Frances, who married Thomas Lumley-Saunderson, 3rd Earl of Scarbrough.
- Lady Henrietta, who married John Boyle, 5th Earl of Cork and Orrery.
