George Hamilton (archdeacon) facts for kids
George Hans Hamilton was an important leader in the Church of England during the 1800s. He served as an Archdeacon, which is a senior church official who helps a Bishop manage a large area. He was the Archdeacon of Lindisfarne from 1865 to 1882. After that, he became the Archdeacon of Northumberland. He was also a Canon of Durham, meaning he was a member of the clergy at Durham Cathedral.
Early Life and Education
George Hans Hamilton was born in 1823. He was the third son of Henry Hamilton, who was a Justice of the Peace (JP). A Justice of the Peace is a local official who helps keep law and order. George's grandfather was Hugh Hamilton, who was a Bishop (a high-ranking church leader) in Ireland.
George went to Shrewsbury School for his education. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Dublin. In 1847, he was ordained, which means he officially became a priest in the Church of England.
Church Career
After becoming a priest, George Hans Hamilton started his career as a Curate in Sunderland. A curate is a junior priest who helps in a parish. He then became a Chaplain at Durham Prison. A chaplain is a priest who serves in a special institution like a prison or hospital.
Later, he became the Vicar of Berwick. A vicar is the main priest in charge of a church and its local area. In 1884, he also became a Chaplain to the High Sheriff of Durham. The High Sheriff is a ceremonial official for a county.
Family Life
George Hans Hamilton was married twice. His first wife was Arabella Sarah Best, known as Bella. They had two sons, Harry (born in 1850), and Alfred (born in 1849). They also had a daughter named Eliza Arabella Sarah, known as Ella (born in 1858). Sadly, Bella passed away in January 1868.
About a year and a half later, in June 1869, George married his second wife, Lady Louisa Frances Clemens. With Louisa, he had another daughter and three more sons. One of their sons, George (1877–1947), became an important electrical engineer and a Conservative Party politician in England. Another son, Robert (1871–1901), worked as a refrigeration engineer. He died at age 30 in an accident on a ship.
Prison Reform and Legacy
George Hans Hamilton was very passionate about prison reform. This means he believed in making prisons better and fairer places. He wanted to improve the conditions and treatment of prisoners. His work and character even inspired a writer named Charles Reade. Reade used Hamilton's ideas in his 1856 novel, It Is Never Too Late to Mend.
George Hans Hamilton passed away on September 23, 1905, while still serving in his church role. His second wife, Louisa, lived until August 31, 1939.
