Sir Charles Hamilton, 2nd Baronet, of Marlborough House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Charles Hamilton
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Admiral Sir Charles Hamilton (1767-1849) (William Beechey)
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| Born | 25 May 1767 |
| Died | 14 September 1849 (aged 82) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath |
Sir Charles Hamilton was an important British naval officer. He was also a Baronet, which is a special title passed down in families. He earned the KCB award for his service. From 1818 to 1823, he served as the governor of Newfoundland.
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Sir Charles Hamilton's Life
Charles Hamilton was born on May 25, 1767. His father, John Hamilton, was also a captain in the Royal Navy. His father was known for his bravery in the Battle of Quebec in 1775.
Charles started his navy career very young, at just nine years old. He served on his father's ship, the Hector. From 1777 to 1779, he studied at the Royal Naval Academy in Portsmouth. This school helped him learn how to be a great naval officer.
Leading Ships and Serving in Parliament
As he grew up, Charles Hamilton commanded many ships for the Royal Navy. He was also a member of the British parliament several times. This means he helped make laws for Britain. He did this between 1790 and 1812, even while still serving in the navy!
When his father passed away in 1784, Charles became the 2nd Baronet Hamilton. This meant he inherited his father's special title.
Governor of Newfoundland
From 1818 to 1823, Sir Charles Hamilton had a very important job. He became the governor of the colony of Newfoundland. This was a big responsibility.
During his time as governor, he helped rebuild St. John's. The city had suffered from large fires in 1818 and 1819. He worked hard to get things back to normal.
He also tried to help the economy of Newfoundland. The demand for cod fish was low, which hurt the island's income. Hamilton encouraged people to fish for other animals like whales, seals, and salmon. He hoped this would bring more money to the colony.
Later Life and Awards
Sir Charles Hamilton continued to rise in the navy. On July 22, 1830, he was promoted to Admiral. This is a very high rank in the navy. In 1833, he received the KCB award. This was a special honor for his service.
He passed away in 1849 at his family home in Iping, West Sussex. He was 82 years old. His wife, Henrietta Martha, was an artist. She painted a famous picture of Demasduwit, a Beothuk woman. Their only son, Charles John James Hamilton, also became an army officer.
Legacy
Sir Charles Hamilton is remembered in Newfoundland and Labrador. A place called Hamilton Inlet is named after him. Also, a big river, now known as the Churchill River, was once called the Hamilton River in his honor.
See also
- Governors of Newfoundland
- List of people of Newfoundland and Labrador
