James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Abercorn
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| Lord Lieutenant of Ireland | |
| In office 13 July 1866 – 1 December 1868 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Prime Minister | The Earl of Derby Benjamin Disraeli |
| Preceded by | The Lord Wodehouse |
| Succeeded by | The Earl Spencer |
| In office 2 March 1874 – 11 December 1876 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Prime Minister | Benjamin Disraeli |
| Preceded by | The Earl Spencer |
| Succeeded by | The Duke of Marlborough |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 January 1811 Mayfair, Westminster, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 31 October 1885 (aged 74) Baronscourt, Tyrone, United Kingdom |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse |
Lady Louisa Russell
(m. 1832) |
| Children |
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| Parents |
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| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn (1811–1885), was an important British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He served twice as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. This role meant he was the monarch's main representative in Ireland.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Hamilton was born in Mayfair, England, on January 21, 1811. His family was from Ulster-Scots nobility. His father, James, Viscount Hamilton, passed away when James was only three years old.
In 1818, when he was seven, James inherited his grandfather's titles and lands. He went to Harrow School and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford.
Political Career and Royal Service
James Hamilton, known as Lord Abercorn, began his political journey in County Tyrone. He was appointed a deputy lieutenant there. Later, in 1844, he became the Lord Lieutenant of Donegal.
At just 33 years old, he was made a Knight of the Garter. This is a very special award. In 1846, he became Groom of the Stole to Prince Albert. This was an important position in the royal court. He also became a Privy Counsellor.
Lord Abercorn received honorary degrees from Cambridge and Oxford universities. He also served in the military as an honorary colonel and a captain.
Serving as Viceroy of Ireland
In 1866, Lord Abercorn was appointed Viceroy of Ireland. This meant he was the highest official representing the British monarch in Ireland. He served under Prime Minister Lord Derby. When Benjamin Disraeli became Prime Minister in 1868, Abercorn kept his role.
On August 10, 1868, he was given the new titles of Marquess of Hamilton and Duke of Abercorn. He also received another honorary degree from Trinity College, Dublin. He resigned from his role as Viceroy in December 1868.
He returned as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1874 under Prime Minister Disraeli. During this time, he also became the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. He held this position until his death. He resigned from being Viceroy again in 1876, partly because his wife was unwell.
Later Life and Achievements
In 1878, the Duke of Abercorn was sent to Italy. His task was to present King Umberto I with the Order of the Garter. In 1881, he was elected Chancellor of the University of Ireland.
James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn, passed away on October 31, 1885. He was 74 years old. He is buried at Baronscourt Parish Church in County Tyrone.
Family Life
In 1832, the Duke of Abercorn married Lady Louisa Russell. She was the daughter of the 6th Duke of Bedford. They had a large family with fourteen children. Thirteen of their children survived childhood.
Their children included:
- Lady Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton (1834–1913)
- Lady Beatrix Frances Hamilton (1835–1871)
- Lady Louisa Jane Hamilton (1836–1912)
- James Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Abercorn (1838–1913), who became the 2nd Duke
- Lady Katherine Elizabeth Hamilton (1840–1874)
- Lady Georgiana Susan Hamilton (1841–1913)
- Lord Claud Hamilton (1843–1925)
- Lord George Hamilton (1845–1927)
- Lady Albertha Frances Anne Hamilton (1847–1932)
- Lord Ronald Douglas Hamilton (1849–1867)
- Lady Maud Evelyn Hamilton (1850–1932)
- Lord Cosmo Hamilton (1853–1853)
- Lord Frederick Spencer Hamilton (1856–1928)
- Lord Ernest Hamilton (1858–1939)
After his death, his eldest son, James, became the 2nd Duke. The Duchess of Abercorn lived until March 1905, reaching the age of 92.
