The Duke of Hamilton

Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead, NW3 (5920907501)

The Duke of Hamilton is a title in the Peerage of Scotland, created in 1643. It is named after the town of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire in Scotland. The title is held by the head of the Hamilton family, and the holder is traditionally considered the premier peer of Scotland. The Duke of Hamilton is also the Hereditary Keeper of the Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the Monarch of the United Kingdom in Scotland.

History

The dukedom was created for James Hamilton, 3rd Marquess of Hamilton, a prominent Scottish nobleman and supporter of King Charles I during the English Civil War. The Hamilton family has been one of the most influential and wealthy families in Scotland since the 14th century, with their ancestral seat being Hamilton Palace in Lanarkshire, which was demolished in the 20th century.

Over the centuries, the Dukes of Hamilton have played significant roles in the political, military, and social life of Scotland and the United Kingdom. They have been closely associated with the Stuart monarchy, and several Dukes have held important positions at court and in government.

Titles and Estates

The Duke of Hamilton holds several subsidiary titles, including Marquess of Douglas, Earl of Angus, Earl of Lanark, Lord Abernethy and Jedburgh Forest, among others. These titles are used by the heir apparent and other family members. The family's estates have included significant landholdings in Scotland, as well as properties in England.

Hamilton Palace

Hamilton Palace was the family's ancestral home until its demolition in the 1920s. Once one of the largest private residences in Britain, the palace was renowned for its magnificent architecture and art collection. The loss of the palace is often cited as one of the greatest architectural tragedies in Scotland.

Current Duke

As of the last update, the title is held by Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, 16th Duke of Hamilton. He inherited the dukedom upon the death of his father in 2010. The current Duke is involved in various charitable activities and maintains the family's remaining estates.

Role and Influence

The Dukes of Hamilton have historically been influential figures in Scottish and British politics. Their close ties to the monarchy and significant landholdings have allowed them to play key roles in the political and social affairs of the nation. Today, the Duke of Hamilton's role is more ceremonial, but the title remains a symbol of Scotland's rich aristocratic heritage.

See Also

• Peerage of Scotland
• Hamilton, South Lanarkshire
• Holyrood Palace
• Stuart monarchy