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The Hamiltons were
considered the most important of the Lowland families aspiring at one time even to the
Scottish throne. Their chief is still the Premier Duke of Scotland, heir male of the house
of Douglas and hereditary keeper of the Palace of Holyrood. The name is generally believed
to be English in origin as there are several places named Hameltun and Hambledone etc. The
first reliable record of the name in Scotland was in 1296 when Walter Fitzgilbert de
Hameldone was one of these Scottish nobles to pledge allegiance to Edward I of England.
After this initial support of the English, the Hamiltons lent their allegiances to Bruce
during the Wars of Independence and were granted the lands of Cadzow. Later in 1474,
Hamilton of Cadzow married Princess Mary, daughter of James II and their son became Earl
of Arran in 1503. His grandson was made Marquis of Hamilton in 1599. At one period during
the mid 1500's, a Hamilton was heir apparent to the throne, the second Earl of Arran was
Regent during the minority of Mary, later Queen of Scots. James, 3rd Marquis was created
Duke of Hamilton in 1643. The title passed to his daughter Anne who married William
Douglas, Earl of Selkirk following the death of her uncle William, the second Duke at the
Battle of Worcester in 1651. The Earl of Selkirk was created Duke of Hamilton for life
thus connecting the two great families. The 4th Duke was greatly popular through his
stubborn resistance to the Act of Union in 1707 and was later killed in a duel with Lord
Mohun in 1712. Though sometimes credited with Jacobite sentiments, neither of the
succeeding Dukes rose for the Stuarts and hence continued throughout the 18th century in
their roles as great noblemen and statesmen. There are several branches of the Hamilton
family, the most noteable being the Hamiltons of Abercorn, Dalzell and
Innerwick.
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