Hamilton

The name of Hamilton originated from England, and the arrival of Sir Walter Fitz-Gilbert to witness a charter in 1294, to allow the Monastrey of Paisley to fish for herring in the Clyde. He stayed in Scotland and looked after Bothwell Castle for the English during the Scottish War of Independence, but later decided to support Robert the Bruce, who later created him the Baron of Cadzow. It is from Sir Walter that the Dukes of Hamilton are descended from.

The 6th Baron of Cadzow married the eldest daughter of James II, Princess Mary. He was made Lord of Hamilton in 1445. His first son was created Earl of Arran in 1503 and Duke of Catelherault in 1549.

Other titles recieved by the Hamiltons were Marquis of Hamilton in 1599, Duke of Hamilton in 1643, and Earl of Abercorn in 1603. A marquessate was conferred upon the 9th Earl, whose son received a dukedom in 1868.

Through the marriage of Anne, Duchess of Hamilton to Lord William Douglas, the Hamilton titles passed to the Douglas family.