John Hamilton of Cadzow facts for kids
Sir John Hamilton of Cadzow was an important Scottish nobleman and soldier. He was the 4th Laird of Cadzow, which means he was the owner of a large estate. He was born before the year 1370 and likely passed away around 1402.
John became the Laird of Cadzow after his father, David Hamilton of Cadzow, sometime before 1392. We know this because his name appeared on an official document, called a charter, in 1392. This document showed him as the "Lord of Cadzow."
Troubles with England
Sir John Hamilton and his brothers, William and Andrew, faced some difficulties with England. In 1396, they were put in prison in Norwich, a city in England.
On June 29, 1396, Richard II of England, who was the King of England at the time, ordered their release. It seems they were imprisoned because they had broken a peace agreement, called a truce, between Scotland and England.
Around the same time, another person named John Hamilton was released from the famous Tower of London. This might have been Sir John's brother, John Hamilton of Bardowie, or his uncle, John Hamilton of Fingalton.
Caught at Sea
Sir John Hamilton and his uncle, John Hamilton of Fingalton, found themselves in trouble with the English again a few years later. In October 1398, there was a meeting between officials from Scotland and England. One of the first things they discussed was the release of Sir John and his uncle.
They had been captured at sea by English privateers. Privateers were like sailors who were allowed by their government to attack enemy ships. This capture was another violation of the truce between the two countries. The Scottish officials strongly asked the English to release their ship and give back their belongings. If they couldn't do that, they asked for fair payment instead.
His Passing
There isn't a clear record of exactly when or how Sir John Hamilton passed away. However, it's possible he was one of the prisoners who died during the Battle of Homildon Hill in 1402. A list of captives from that battle includes a "Sir John Hamilton, elder," which could have been him.
His Family
Sir John Hamilton married a woman named Jacoba Douglas. She was the sister of Sir James Douglas, 1st Lord Dalkeith. They were married before the year 1388.
It is believed that Sir John and Jacoba had four children together:
- James Hamilton of Cadzow
- David Hamilton of Dalserf
- Walter Hamilton of Raploch
- Catherine Hamilton of Cadzow
