Gustav Hamilton facts for kids

Gustaf Hamilton (born in the late 1650s, died 1691) was an important leader in Northern Ireland. He was known as the governor of Enniskillen, which meant he was their main chief of defence. He was also a colonel and a Swedish nobleman, a 'friherre' (like a baron).

Early Life and Family

Gustaf Hamilton was born in Sweden. His father was Baron Ludvig Malkolmsson Hamilton, and his mother was Anna Karin Larsdotter Grubbe Stiernfelt. His mother's father, Lars Pedersson Grubbe Stiernfelt, was once a Secretary of State in Sweden.

Military Career and Enniskillen

In 1684, the English government was concerned about the Mac Sweeney clan in Ireland. They placed a group of soldiers, called a garrison, in Doe Castle in County Donegal. Major Gustavus Hamilton was put in charge of these soldiers.

Later, Gustaf Hamilton became the leader of the people of Enniskillen. He was chosen as their governor, meaning he was their chief of defence. Colonel Hamilton was a strong supporter of the Protestant cause during a time of conflict.

The Siege of Enniskillen

In 1689, the town of Enniskillen faced a difficult challenge. It was surrounded and attacked by Jacobite troops. This attack happened during the Williamite war in Ireland, a major conflict. This war started when King James II of England was removed from power by his Protestant rival, William III of Orange.

The people of Enniskillen, led by Colonel Hamilton, successfully defended their town against the siege. They managed to resist the attack and keep their town safe.

Impact of the War

Because of this conflict, Enniskillen grew in two important ways. It became a busy market town where people could buy and sell goods. It also became a military base, known as a garrison, which housed two regiments of soldiers.

However, the Williamite wars caused Gustaf Hamilton to lose a lot of money. This made his family branch of the Hamilton clan much poorer.

Later Life and Legacy

Gustaf Hamilton passed away in 1691. After his death, his wife, Margaret Jones, and their children, Andrew and Gustav, continued to live at Monea Castle. Both of their sons later became pastors.

Sadly, due to the financial difficulties, the family had to sell the Monea estate in 1704.

Many years later, in the mid-19th century, a great-great-grandson of Gustaf Hamilton, also named Gustav Hamilton, tried to claim the family's noble title in Sweden. He was a lawyer living in Dublin at the time.

Images for kids

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  Monea Castle, the Hamilton family fortress.