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Clan Hamilton is a Scottish clan who had territories in both the Highlands and Lowlands.
The name Hamilton is believed to originate from a Norman called Walter Fitz-Gelbert of Hambledon who moved to Renfrewshire. He is fisrt mentioned in a charter in 1294 given to Paisley Monastrey for the privlage of being able to fish for Herring in the River Clyde.
During the Wars of Scottish Independence the Clan Hamilton initally supported the English and Fitz Gilbert Hamilton was governor of Bothwell Castle on behalf of the English. However he later came across to Robert the Bruce's side and was rewarded with a portion of land which had been confiscated from the Clan Comyn/Cumming. Among his new property was the Barony and lands of Cadzow which in time would become the town of Hamilton.
In 1346 the Clan Hamilton fought for King David II of Scotland at the Battle of Neville's Cross. Sir David Hamilton was captured and not released until a large ransom was paid.
In the 15th century the Hamiltons gained more royal support when in 1474 James the 1st Lord Hamilton married Princess Mary, the daughter of King James II of Scotland. Their son was made the Earl of Arran and stood next in line for the throne.
During the 16th century the Clan Hamilton made their home on the Island of Arran in 1503 and for most of that century a Hamilton was close to inherriting the Crown. The 2nd Earl of arran was heir to the throne both of King James IV of Scotland and Mary Queen of Scots. As Mary's regent he enjoyed her wealth and was bribed into allegiance with both England and France.
The 4th Earl of Arran was keeper of both Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle. He was made a Marquess in 1599.
Earlier in 1587 his brother called Claude Hamilton was made first Lord Paisley and then Lord Abercorn. Claude's descendants also became extremely wealthy. They aquired part of Ulster and raised the Abercorn title from a Lord to an Earl and by 1886 to the status of a Duke.
The Clan Hamilton under the third Marquess of Arran supported King Charles I during the Civil War. The Marquess was made Duke of Hamilton in 1643. He was beheaded with his King in London in 1649. William Hamilton the second Duke was killed at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
Subsidence meant the end of Hamilton Palace so the Chief and his family moved to Lennoxlove in Haddington.
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