Thomas Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Haddington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Haddington
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Portrait of Lord Haddington by Charles Laurie
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Hamilton
25 May 1600 |
| Died | 30 August 1640 (aged 40) Dunglass Castle, East Lothian |
| Spouses |
Lady Catherine Erskine
(Lady Jean Gordon
(m. 1640) |
| Children | Thomas Hamilton, 3rd Earl of Haddington John Hamilton, 4th Earl of Haddington Margaret Keith, Countess of Kintore |
| Parents | Thomas Hamilton, 1st Earl of Haddington Margaret Foulis |
| Military service | |
| Rank | Major General |
Thomas Hamilton, the 2nd Earl of Haddington (born May 25, 1600 – died August 30, 1640), was an important Scottish nobleman. He inherited his father's noble titles and played a role in Scottish politics and military events during his lifetime.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Thomas Hamilton was the oldest son of Thomas Hamilton, 1st Earl of Haddington. His mother was Margaret Foulis of Colinton. Before he became an Earl, people knew him by the special title of Lord Binning. This was a courtesy title, meaning it was used out of respect for his father's position.
Public Service and Military Role
Early Career in Scotland
After studying in other countries, Thomas Hamilton, then Lord Binning, came back to Scotland. In 1621, he took part in the Scottish Parliament. This was a group of people who helped make laws for Scotland.
He also joined his father for important royal events. He was present at the funeral of King James in London. Later, in 1633, he helped carry the canopy during King Charles I's coronation. This special event took place in Edinburgh at Holyrood Abbey.
Becoming an Earl and Military Service
In 1637, Lord Binning became the Earl of Haddington after his father passed away. The next year, King Charles I asked him to sign the National Covenant. This was an important document that many Scots signed to protect their church.
When the Bishops' War began, Haddington was made a Major General. He was in charge of the Lothians area, working under General Leslie. In 1640, General Leslie moved his army into England. He left weapons and supplies behind in a town called Duns. Haddington quickly gathered these supplies and brought them to his base at Dunglass Castle. He did this to stop the English army from taking them.
On August 29, he successfully stopped an attempt by the English army from Berwick to capture food and weapons near Coldstream.
Tragic End at Dunglass Castle
On August 30, 1640, a terrible explosion happened at Dunglass Castle. The castle's powder magazine, where gunpowder was stored, blew up and destroyed the building. Earl Haddington was in the courtyard at the time, reading letters from General Leslie to his family and soldiers. He was killed in the explosion.
Several other people also died in this tragic event. These included Haddington's brother, Robert Hamilton, and his half-brother, Patrick Hamilton. His cousins, John Hamilton and Alexander Hamilton, also died. Alexander's son, Colonel Sir John Erskine, who was also Haddington's brother-in-law, was killed. The local minister, Master John Gaittis, also lost his life.
Family Life
First Marriage
Haddington first married Lady Catherine Erskine. She was the daughter of John Erskine, Earl of Mar (1558–1634) and Lady Mary Stuart. Lady Catherine passed away in 1635. Together, they had several children:
- Thomas Hamilton, 3rd Earl of Haddington (1626–1645): He married Henriette de Coligny in 1643.
- John Hamilton, 4th Earl of Haddington (1626–1669): He married Lady Christian Lindsay in 1648.
- Hon. Robert Hamilton: He died when he was a baby.
- Hon. James Hamilton: He also died when he was a baby.
- Lady Margaret Hamilton: She died when she was a baby.
Second Marriage
After Lady Catherine's death, Haddington married Lady Jean Gordon in 1640. Lady Jean was the daughter of George Gordon, 2nd Marquess of Huntly. After Lord Haddington's death, Lady Jean gave birth to their daughter:
- Lady Margaret Hamilton (born 1641): She later married John Keith, 1st Earl of Kintore.
After Lord Haddington died in 1640, his oldest son, Thomas, took over his titles.
