John Hamilton, 1st Marquess of Hamilton facts for kids

John Hamilton, 1st Marquess of Hamilton (1540–1604) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was the first in a long line of powerful leaders, including the marquesses and dukes of Hamilton in Scotland.

Early Life and Family

John Hamilton was born around 1540 in Scotland. He was the third son of James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Arran and his wife, Margaret Douglas. His father was also known as the 2nd Earl of Arran and the Duke of Châtellerault in France.

John's mother, Margaret Douglas, was the daughter of James Douglas, 3rd Earl of Morton. Both of John's parents were Scottish. They got married in September 1532. John was one of nine children.

When he was a boy, on November 28, 1547, John was given a special role as the Commendator of Inchaffray Abbey. This meant he was in charge of the abbey's money and lands, even though he wasn't a monk. He held this position until 1551. Then, he became the Commendator of Arbroath Abbey, which he managed until 1579.

Supporting Mary, Queen of Scots

John's family strongly supported Mary, Queen of Scots. They continued to support her even after she was put in prison at Lochleven Castle and gave up her throne in 1567. They also stood by her after she lost the Battle of Langside in 1568 and fled to England.

In 1570, James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, who was ruling Scotland for the young King James VI, was killed. John's father had been in prison at that time. Another ruler, Regent Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox, also died in 1571. Finally, on February 23, 1573, John's father stopped supporting Mary and recognized her young son, James VI of Scotland, as the rightful King of Scotland.

Leading the Hamilton Family

John's father passed away on January 22, 1575. His older brother, James, became the 3rd Earl of Arran. However, because his brother was unwell, John took care of him. This made John the real leader of the Hamilton family and managed their affairs.

Marriage and Children

On December 30, 1577, John agreed to marry Margaret Lyon. She was the Countess of Cassilis and had been married before. Margaret was the daughter of John Lyon, 7th Lord Glamis. She was a strong Protestant.

John and Margaret had three children:

• Edward, who sadly died when he was a baby.
• James (1589–1625), who later became the 2nd Marquess of Hamilton.
• Margaret, who married John Maxwell, 9th Lord Maxwell. There were big celebrations at Hamilton Palace for their wedding in September 1597.

John also had two other children:

• Margaret Hamilton, who married Sir Humphrey Colquhoun of Luss.
• Sir John Hamilton of Letterick.

Exile and Return to Scotland

In 1579, John and his younger brother Claud were accused of being involved in the deaths of the regents Moray and Lennox. Because of this, they lost their lands and titles in Scotland. John had to leave the country. He first went to England, then to France, and later returned to England.

While in England, John became friends with Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, who was also in exile. At this time, King James VI was influenced by James Stewart, Earl of Arran, who had been given John's brother's earldom.

In October 1585, John, along with Angus and other lords, gathered an army. With some help from Elizabeth I of England, they entered Scotland and reached Stirling. James Stewart of Bothwellmuir fled, and King James VI agreed to meet the banished lords on November 4.

At a meeting in Linlithgow on December 1, 1585, King James gave John and the other lords back their lands and titles. John was also made a member of the Privy Council of Scotland, which was a group of important advisors to the King. He also became the captain of Dumbarton Castle.

In 1588, John started a grammar school that became known as Hamilton Academy. Today, it is called the Hamilton Grammar School.

Becoming a Marquess

John continued to gain the King's favor. On April 15, 1599, he was given the important titles of Marquess of Hamilton, Earl of Arran, and Lord Aven. In August 1602, he welcomed the French ambassador to Hamilton Palace. The ambassador hunted with the King and played a card game.

Death and Succession

John Hamilton, the 1st Marquess of Hamilton, passed away in April 1604. His son, James, immediately became the 2nd Marquess of Hamilton. James also became the 4th Earl of Arran in 1609, after his older brother died.