James Hamilton (colonel)

James Hamilton
Born	c. 1620
Died	6 June 1673
Buried at	Westminster Abbey
Allegiance	Kingdom of England
Service/branch	Royal Navy

Col. James Hamilton (c. 1620 – 6 June 1673) was an Irish courtier and soldier, during the reign of Charles II of England. He was appointed a Ranger of Hyde Park in 1660 and Groom of the Bedchamber 1664. He died in June 1673 after losing a leg in a naval battle. His body was interred in Westminster Abbey.

James was the eldest son of Sir George Hamilton, 1st Baronet and Mary (died 1680), daughter of Thomas Butler, Viscount Thurles and Elizabeth Poyntz. He was a grandson of the Earl of Abercorn and his own son ultimately inherited the title.

Like his younger brothers, Hamilton chose a military career, and became a colonel. A favourite of Charles II, he was appointed Ranger of Hyde Park in 1660 on the death of the previous Ranger the Henry, Duke of Gloucester (the kings brother). While a Ranger, Hamilton was responsible for the partial enclosure of Hyde Park and its re-stocking with deer. He was allowed to rent a house from the crown in the vicinity of Hyde Park at what is now known as Hamilton Place which is named after him.

He was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber on 28 October 1664, and he sat Member of Parliament (M.P.) of the Parliament of Ireland for the constituency of Strabane between 3 July 1666 and 7 August 1666.

Hamilton was known for his fine manners and dress and his gallantry. An admirer of the Countess of Chesterfield, his first cousin, he carried on a romance with her by turning her husband's suspicion on the Duke of York, only to discover that York was courting her as well.

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