Robert Hamilton, 8th Lord Belhaven and Stenton facts for kids
Robert Montgomery Hamilton was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He was known as the 8th Lord Belhaven and Stenton. He lived from 1793 to 1868 and was a member of the special Order of the Thistle.
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Early Life and Becoming a Lord
Robert Montgomery Hamilton was born at Wishaw House in Wishaw, Scotland. His father was William Hamilton, who was the 7th Lord Belhaven and Stenton. Robert's mother was Penelope Macdonald. In 1814, when Robert was 21 years old, he took over his father's title. He became the 8th Lord Belhaven and Stenton.
Robert Hamilton's Political Career
Robert Hamilton was a member of the Whig Party. This was a major political group in Britain at the time. From 1819 to 1832, he served in the House of Lords. The House of Lords is part of the British Parliament. He was a Scottish Representative Peer. This meant he was chosen to represent Scotland's nobility in the House of Lords.
Becoming a Baron
In 1832, he received a new title. He was made Baron Hamilton of Wishaw. This new title was part of the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It gave him an automatic seat in the House of Lords. This meant he no longer needed to be elected as a Scottish Representative Peer.
Other Important Roles
Robert Hamilton also had several other important jobs. He served as the High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. He held this role many times:
- From 1831 to 1841
- From 1847 to 1851
- From 1853 to 1857
- From 1860 to 1866
In 1863, he became the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire. This was a high-ranking official role for the area of Lanarkshire. He held this position until he passed away five years later. In 1861, he was honored as a Knight of the Thistle. This is a very special award in Scotland. He was also recorded as the President of the Wodrow Society in 1845.
Family Life and Legacy
In 1815, Robert Hamilton married Hamilton Campbell. She was the daughter of Walter Frederick Campbell. They did not have any children together.
Robert Hamilton passed away on December 22, 1868, at the age of 75. He was buried in Cambusnethan Kirkyard. His large mausoleum, which is a grand tomb, can still be seen there today. The kirkyard is located near Wishaw, close to the River Clyde. After his death, his title of Baron Hamilton of Wishaw ended. The older title of Lord Belhaven and Stenton became dormant.
