William A. Baillie-Hamilton facts for kids

Sir William Alexander Baillie-Hamilton (born September 6, 1844 – died July 6, 1920) was an important Scottish government worker. He was known as a civil servant, which means he worked for the government. He served as a Private Secretary for important leaders, like the Chief Secretary for Ireland and the Secretary of State for the Colonies, from 1886 to 1892. When he was younger, he loved sports. He even played football for Scotland in a big match against England in March 1870.

Who Was William Baillie-Hamilton?

William Baillie-Hamilton was born in Brighton. His father was Admiral William Baillie-Hamilton, who worked for the Navy. His mother was Lady Harriet Hamilton.

His Early Life and School

William went to a famous school called Harrow School. He finished school there in 1863.

His Family Life

In 1871, William married Mary Aynscombe Mossop. They had two sons:

• George Douglas Baillie-Hamilton (born 1875 – died 1934)
• Walter Stuart Baillie-Hamilton (born 1880 – died 1953)

William Baillie-Hamilton's Sporting Life

William was a talented athlete. He played both football and cricket.

Playing Football for Scotland

In 1870, William and his younger brother, Charles, were chosen to play football for Scotland. They played against England in a match at the Kennington Oval. The game ended in a 1-1 tie. A player named Robert Copland-Crawford, who also went to Harrow School, scored Scotland's goal.

Playing Cricket

William also played cricket for Harrow School. Later, he played for the M.C.C. between 1877 and 1881.

William Baillie-Hamilton's Military Service

William also served in the military. He was part of the East Lothians and Berwickshire Imperial Yeomanry. He became a captain in 1878. Eventually, he reached the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and was an Honorary Colonel for his regiment.

William Baillie-Hamilton's Government Career

After leaving school, William started working for the government in 1864. He worked in the Colonial Office, which handled affairs for British colonies around the world.

Important Roles in Government

He became a First Class Clerk in 1879. He was also the secretary for the Colonial Conference in 1887. From 1886 to 1892, he was a Private Secretary to the Chief Secretary for Ireland and the Secretary of State for the Colonies. These were very important jobs where he helped top government officials.

He became a Principal Clerk in 1894 and then the Chief Clerk in 1897. He was the Chief Clerk of the Colonial Office from 1896 until he retired in 1909.

His Other Work

William also studied law and became a barrister in 1871. This meant he could represent people in court.

In 1884, he wrote a novel called "Mr. Montenello: a romance of the civil service".

William Baillie-Hamilton passed away on July 6, 1920, when he was 75 years old.

Awards and Recognition

William Baillie-Hamilton received several important awards for his service.

Special Honors

In May 1887, he was given the title of Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. In August 1892, he became a Companion of the Order of the Bath.

He was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (K.C.M.G.) in 1897. This special ceremony took place at Windsor Castle in December 1897.

Royal Appointments

In November 1901, King Edward VII appointed him as an Officer of Arms for the Order of St. Michael and St. George. In May 1911, this title changed to Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod. William Baillie-Hamilton held this position until he died.