James Hamilton, 2nd Marquess of Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Marquess of Hamilton
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Portrait by Daniël Mijtens
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| Born | 1589 |
| Died | 2 March 1625 |
| Resting place | Hamilton |
| Title | 2nd Marquess of Hamilton 4th Earl of Arran |
| Successor | James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Ann Cunningham |
| Children | Anne Montgomerie, Countess of Eglinton Margaret Lindsay, Countess of Crawford Mary Douglas, Countess of Queensberry James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton William Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Hamilton |
| Parent(s) | John Hamilton, 1st Marquess of Hamilton Margaret Lyon, Countess of Cassilis |
James Hamilton, 2nd Marquess of Hamilton and 4th Earl of Arran was an important Scottish politician. He was born in 1589 and passed away in 1625. He held many important titles and was a close advisor to King James. He also invested in new lands across the sea.
Early Life and Titles
James Hamilton was the son of John Hamilton, 1st Marquess of Hamilton and Margaret Lyon. In 1604, when he was about 15 years old, he inherited his father's titles and lands. These included being the Marquess of Hamilton.
King James also gave him the lands of Arbroath Abbey. On May 5, 1608, the King made him a new lord, known as Lord Aberbrothwick. A year later, in 1609, he also inherited the title of Earl of Arran from his uncle.
Life in England and New Ventures
James Hamilton moved to England with King James. He became involved in new business ventures. He invested in the Somers Isles Company. This company was connected to the Virginia Company, which helped set up colonies in America.
He bought shares in the company from Lucy Harrington. Because of his investment, a place in the Somers Isles (also known as Bermuda) was named after him. This area is called Hamilton Parish.
In 1619, he received another important English title. He was made the Earl of Cambridge and Baron of Innerdale. In 1621, he served as the Lord High Commissioner to the Parliament of Scotland. This meant he was the King's main representative in the Scottish Parliament.
Family and Legacy
In 1603, James Hamilton married Lady Ann Cunningham. She was the daughter of James Cunningham, 7th Earl of Glencairn. They had five children together:
- Lady Anne Hamilton, who married Hugh Montgomerie, 7th Earl of Eglinton and had children.
- Lady Margaret Hamilton, who married John Lindsay, 17th Earl of Crawford, 1st Earl of Lindsay and had children.
- Lady Mary Hamilton (who passed away in 1633), who married James Douglas, 2nd Earl of Queensberry. They did not have children.
- James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton (1606–1649), who became a very important figure later on.
- William Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Hamilton (1616–1651), who also became a duke.
James Hamilton also had a daughter named Margaret with Anne Stewart. Margaret later married John Hamilton, 1st Lord Belhaven and Stenton and had children.
James Hamilton passed away on March 2, 1625, in Whitehall, London. He was buried in his family's special burial place in Hamilton.
