Hamilton, James, 1st Duke of Abercorn (1811 -1885)

James Hamilton, who was styled Viscount Hamilton from 1814 to 1818, and the Marquess of Abercorn from 1818 to 1868, was born at Seymour Place, Mayfair, the son of James Hamilton, Viscount Hamilton, himself the eldest son of John Hamilton, 1st Marquess of Abercorn. His mother, Harriet, was the second daughter of the Hon. John Douglas, himself the son of James Douglas, 14th Earl of Morton. His father died when Abercorn was only three. In 1818, aged seven, he succeeded his grandfather in his titles and estates. He was educated at Harrow School and Christ Church, Oxford. In 1856, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Laws from the University of Oxford. Abercorn married Louisa Jane Russell, second daughter of John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford, in 1832. They had fourteen children, thirteen of whom survived infancy. On 12 December 1844, Lord Abercorn was made a Knight of the Garter at the relatively young age of 33, becoming in the same year Lord Lieutenant of Donegal and Deputy Lieutenant of Tyrone. In 1866, he was appointed Viceroy of Ireland, and two years later was created Marquess of Hamilton (in the Peerage of the United Kingdom) and Duke of Abercorn (in the Peerage of Ireland). Lord Abercorn died in October 1885, aged 74, at the family home of Baronscourt, County Tyrone, He is buried in the cemetery at Baronscourt Parish Church, the traditional burial place of the Dukes of Abercorn and their families. He was succeeded by his eldest son, James.
Seat / Residence(s): Baronscourt
Stamp(s) Stamp Information
Hamilton, John, 1st Duke of Abercorn (1811 - 1885) (Stamp 1) Title: Hamilton, John, 1st Duke of Abercorn (1811 - 1885) (Stamp 1)
Arms: Quarterly 1 & 4 gules three cinquefoils (Hamilton) 2 & 3 a ship (Arran)
Motto: Sola nobilitas virtus
Supporters: Two antelopes collared and lined
Dimensions (height x width): 100mm x 132mm
Coronet: Marquess
Heraldic Charges: cinquefoils (3), Heraldic Charges: ship
Hamilton, John, 1st Duke of Abercorn (1811 - 1885) (Stamp 2) Title: Hamilton, John, 1st Duke of Abercorn (1811 - 1885) (Stamp 2)
Dimensions (height x width): 37mm x 30mm
Monogram: A
Coronet: Marquess