James Hamilton, Lord Paisley facts for kids

James Hamilton, Lord Paisley (who passed away before 1670) was the oldest son of James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Abercorn and Katherine Clifton, 2nd Baroness Clifton. He was born into a Catholic family but became a Presbyterian before 1646. He died before his father, meaning he was an heir apparent who never got to inherit his father's title.

Who Was James Hamilton, Lord Paisley?

James was born in the early 1630s, probably in Paisley, Scotland. He was the first son of James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Abercorn and his wife Katherine Clifton, 2nd Baroness Clifton. His father was the 2nd Earl of Abercorn. His mother had been married before and was known as the Dowager Duchess of Lennox. She also held the title of Baroness Clifton of Leighton Bromswold, England, in her own right.

His parents got married around 1632. His mother received special permission from the king to keep her high social standing as a dowager duchess, even though she was now marrying an earl. James had two younger brothers.

Family Background and Religion

Both of James's parents were Catholic. In Scotland at that time, Catholics were called recusants because they refused to follow the official Church of Scotland. James's mother died in Scotland when he was very young. Because she was Catholic, the Church of Scotland did not allow her a proper burial ceremony.

As the oldest son who was expected to inherit his father's title, James was given the special name of Lord Paisley. This was a courtesy title in Scotland, meaning it was used out of respect but didn't give him a seat in Parliament yet. This title was similar to an English or Irish baron. By 1646, Lord Paisley had become a strong Presbyterian. This was noted in the official records of the Church of Scotland that year.

Marriage and Family Life

On April 28, 1653, Lord Paisley married Catherine Lenthall in London at a church called St Bartholomew-the-Less. Catherine was the niece of William Lenthall, who was a very important person. He was the speaker of the Long Parliament, which was the main law-making body in England at the time. James's wife, Catherine, was a Protestant, and their wedding took place in an Anglican church.

James and Catherine had one daughter:

• Catherine Hamilton (1653–1723). She married twice. Her first husband was William Lenthall of Burford, who was the grandson of the Speaker. After he died in 1686, she married her second cousin, Charles Hamilton, 5th Earl of Abercorn.

Their daughter, Catherine, married Charles Hamilton. He was her second cousin and had also become a Protestant.

Seeking Royal Favor

When the king returned to power in England in 1660 (an event known as the Restoration), Lord Paisley tried to gain some special favors from the king. He asked his uncle, Sir George Hamilton, 1st Baronet, for help. His uncle was very well-connected at the royal court because he had been with the king during his time in exile. A letter showing this request is kept in the Bodleian Library.

Death and Succession

Lord Paisley died before his father, and he did not have any sons. His next brother, William, also died before their father. Because of this, their youngest brother, George, became the next in line to inherit the title. George then became the 3rd Earl of Abercorn when their father passed away in 1670.