William Hamilton (Lord Chancellor) facts for kids

William Hamilton was an important person in England's government a long time ago. He worked for the king as a top official, first as a deputy and then as the main Lord Chancellor. He was also a leader in the church as the Dean of York.

William Hamilton's Life and Career

William Hamilton started his career in 1280 as a special judge for forest laws in areas like Hampshire and Wiltshire. A couple of years later, in 1282, he was put in charge of managing the lands and money for the bishopric of Winchester and a place called Hide Abbey.

Working for the King

Soon after, he became a clerk in the king's special office, called the chancery. By 1286, he was the king's deputy chancellor. This meant he sometimes held the "great seal," which was used to make official documents legal.

When the Lord Chancellor, Robert Burnell, died in 1292, William Hamilton was trusted with the great seal. He used it to approve important papers until the new chancellor took over. He also took charge of the great seal several times when the next chancellor, John Langton, was away in 1297 and 1299.

Church Roles

Besides his government jobs, William Hamilton also held important positions in the church. In 1287, he became a church official in York. In 1288, he was made an archdeacon, overseeing churches in West Riding, Yorkshire. By December 1298, he became the dean of York, a very high position.

He was also a canon (a type of priest) at St Cuthburga's church and held a leadership role at the church of St Buryan in Cornwall.

Becoming Lord Chancellor

In December 1304, the Lord Chancellor at the time, William Greenfield, stepped down. He needed to go to Rome to get permission to become the Archbishop of York. Even though William Hamilton was not there, the king chose him to be the new Lord Chancellor on December 29.

The great seal was kept safe until Hamilton returned. On January 16, 1305, he officially received the seal and began his important role.

Key Decisions as Chancellor

Soon after becoming chancellor, the king warned him not to give special protection to people in Ireland who were trying to avoid lawsuits.

During his time as Lord Chancellor, William Hamilton approved some very important documents. He sealed the statute de tallagio non concedendo, which was a law about taxes. He also approved the official order for the trial of Sir William Wallace, a famous Scottish leader.

William Hamilton died on April 20, 1307. He was with the king at Fountains Abbey when he passed away. After his death, Ralph de Baldock became the new Lord Chancellor.

See also

• List of Lord Chancellors and Lord Keepers