James Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Abercorn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Abercorn
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James Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Abercorn, circa 1913
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| Born | 24 August 1838 |
| Died | 3 June 1913 (aged 74) London, England |
| Noble family | Hamilton |
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| Father | James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn |
| Mother | Lady Louisa Jane Russell |
James Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Abercorn (born August 24, 1838 – died June 3, 1913), was an important British nobleman and diplomat. He was known by different titles during his life, first as Viscount Hamilton, then as Marquess of Hamilton, before becoming the Duke of Abercorn. He was the son of James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn, and Lady Louisa Jane Russell.
Contents
A Life of Service
James Hamilton was born on August 24, 1838. He was the oldest son of James Hamilton, who later became the 1st Duke of Abercorn. His mother was Lady Louisa Jane Russell.
Like his father, James went to Harrow School and Christ Church, Oxford University. He earned a degree in 1860.
Early Career in Politics
After university, James became a Member of Parliament (MP) for County Donegal. He represented this area from 1860 to 1880 as a member of the Conservative Party.
In 1863, he served as the High Sheriff of Tyrone. This was an important local role. He also completed a master's degree in 1865.
Diplomatic and Royal Roles
In 1865, James went on a special diplomatic trip to Denmark. This meant he represented his country in another nation.
From 1866 to 1885, he served as a Lord of the Bedchamber to the Prince of Wales. This was a role in the royal household.
In 1885, he took over his father's title and became the 2nd Duke of Abercorn. He also became the Lord Lieutenant of County Donegal. This was a representative of the monarch in the county.
He was chosen as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland in 1886. He held this important position until he passed away. In 1887, he joined the Privy Council of Ireland, a group of advisors to the monarch.
Later Life and Special Missions
As Duke of Abercorn, he held several key positions. He was chairman of the British South Africa Company.
In 1901, King Edward asked him to lead a special diplomatic mission. His task was to announce the new King's rule to the governments of Denmark, Sweden and Norway, Russia, Germany, and Saxony.
He was given a very special award, becoming a Knight of the Garter.
James Hamilton passed away in London on June 3, 1913, at the age of 74. He is buried at Baronscourt Parish Church, which is the traditional burial place for the Dukes of Abercorn.
His Family Life
In 1869, James Hamilton married Lady Mary Anna Curzon-Howe. Together, they had two daughters and seven sons.
- James Albert Edward Hamilton, 3rd Duke of Abercorn (1869–1953)
- Lady Alexandra Phyllis Hamilton (1876–1918). She sadly died when the ship RMS Leinster was sunk during a war.
- Lady Gladys Mary Hamilton (1880–1917). She married Ralph Francis Forward-Howard, 7th Earl of Wicklow, in 1902.
- Lord Arthur John Hamilton (1883–1914). He was a Captain in the Irish Guards and was killed in action during the First Battle of Ypres in World War I.
- Lord Claud Nigel Hamilton (1889–1975). He was a Captain in the Grenadier Guards and fought in World War I. He also served in the royal households of King George V and Queen Elizabeth II.
Awards and Recognition
James Hamilton received many important awards during his lifetime, both from Britain and other countries.
British Honours
- Companion of the Bath (CB): This award was given to him in 1865.
- Knight of the Garter (KG): This is a very high honour, given to him on August 10, 1892.
Foreign Honours
Austria-Hungary:
- Commander of the Imperial Order of Leopold, received in 1881.
- Order of the Iron Crown
Denmark: Grand Cross of the Dannebrog (S.K.): This was given to him on March 10, 1888.
Russian Empire: Order of St. Anna
