William Hamilton, Duke of Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Hamilton
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Portrait by Godfrey Kneller
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| Lord High Commissioner | |
| In office 1693–1694 |
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| Monarch | William II and Mary II |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Melville |
| Succeeded by | The Marquess of Tweeddale |
| In office 1689–1690 |
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| Monarch | William II and Mary II |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Moray |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Melville |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 December 1634 |
| Died | 18 April 1694 (aged 59) Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Resting place | Hamilton Collegiate Church, Hamilton Mausoleum, Bent Cemetery, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire |
| Spouse | Anne, 3rd Duchess of Hamilton |
| Children |
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| Parents |
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William Douglas-Hamilton, Duke of Hamilton (born December 24, 1634 – died April 18, 1694) was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He was also known as Lord William Douglas and the Earl of Selkirk. William was the oldest son of the 1st Marquess of Douglas and Lady Mary Gordon.
He married Anne Hamilton, 3rd Duchess of Hamilton. Because of this marriage, he was given the title of Duke of Hamilton in Scotland. This allowed him to use his wife's other titles during his lifetime. Their children also took the Hamilton family name.
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Early Life and Family
William Douglas was made the Earl of Selkirk in 1646 when he was 11 years old. He supported the King's side during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. These were a series of conflicts across England, Scotland, and Ireland.
After the wars, he was fined £1,000. This was part of a law called the "Act of Pardon and Grace to the People of Scotland."
Marriage to Anne Hamilton
On April 29, 1656, William married Anne Hamilton, who was the Duchess of Hamilton. Her family was very loyal to the King. Her family's lands had been taken away by Oliver Cromwell. This happened because her father and uncle were involved in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
Her father, James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton, died in 1649. Her uncle, William Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Hamilton, also died in 1651 after a battle.
Becoming the Duke of Hamilton
After the King was brought back to power in Scotland, William was made the Duke of Hamilton in 1660. This happened because his wife, Anne, asked for it. He also received several other Hamilton family titles for his lifetime.
He worked with the Duke of Lauderdale at first. They tried to be fair to the Presbyterians in Scotland. However, they soon disagreed. William was removed from the King's special council in 1676. When he visited London, King Charles II refused to meet him.
Later Political Role
When James II became King, William received many honors. But he was one of the first to talk with William III of Orange.
He led an important meeting in Edinburgh in March 1689. At this meeting, the Scottish crown was offered to William III and Mary II. William Douglas-Hamilton died at Holyrood Palace on April 18, 1694. His wife lived until April 17, 1716.
Children of William and Anne
William and Anne Hamilton, the 3rd Duchess of Hamilton, had eleven children together. William took the last name Douglas-Hamilton. His children used the Hamilton last name.
- Lady Mary Hamilton (1657–1666), who passed away when she was young.
- James Hamilton, 4th Duke of Hamilton (1658–1712)
- Lord William Hamilton (1659–1681)
- Lady Catherine Hamilton (1662–1707), who married the 1st Duke of Atholl.
- Charles Douglas, 2nd Earl of Selkirk (around 1662–around 1739)
- John Hamilton, 3rd Earl of Selkirk, 1st Earl of Ruglen (around 1664–1744)
- George Hamilton, 1st Earl of Orkney (1666–1737)
- Lady Susannah Hamilton (1667–1737), who married the 2nd Earl of Dundonald. Later, she married the 3rd Marquess of Tweeddale.
- Lady Margaret Hamilton (1668–1731), who married the 4th Earl of Panmure.
- Lord Basil Hamilton (1671–1701), who drowned at age 30.
- Lord Archibald Hamilton (1673–1754), who was an officer in the Royal Navy. He married Lady Jane Hamilton.
