Background
James was the eldest son of Sir George Hamilton, 1st Baronet and Mary (died 1680), daughter of Thomas Butler, Viscount Thurles and Elizabeth Poyntz.
James was the eldest son of Sir George Hamilton, 1st Baronet and Mary (died 1680), daughter of Thomas Butler, Viscount Thurles and Elizabeth Poyntz.
Like his younger brothers, Hamilton chose a military career, and became a colonel.
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.
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.
Hamilton was known for his fine manners and dress and his gallantry. Colonel Hamilton had one of his legs blown off by a cannonball in a sea-fight with the Dutch (presumably the Battle of Schooneveld), and died as a result thereof on 6 June 1673.
He was buried in Westminster Abbey.
They had three sons:
James Hamilton, 6th Earl of Abercorn (c 1661–1734)
Colonel George Hamilton (died 3 August 1692, Battle of Steenkerque).
He was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber on 28 October 1664, and he sat Member of Parliament (Member of Parliament) of the Parliament of Ireland for the constituency of Strabane between 3 July 1666 and 7 August 1666.