James Hamilton, 4th Duke of Hamilton

Lieutenant General James Hamilton, 4th Duke of Hamilton and 1st Duke of Brandon KG KT was a Scottish nobleman, the Premier Peer of Scotland and Keeper of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. He was a Master of the Great Wardrobe, MasterGeneral of the Ordnance, Ambassador, and ColonelinChief of his regiment. Hamilton was a major investor in the failed Darien Scheme, which cost many of Scotlands ruling class their fortunes, and he played a leading role in the events leading up to the Act of Union in 1707. He died onNovember 1712 as the result of a duel in Hyde Park, Westminster, with Charles Mohun, 4th Baron Mohun, over a disputed inheritance.

The eldest son of William Douglas, 1st Earl of Selkirk who was created Duke of Hamilton for his lifetime and changed his surname to Hamilton in 1660 and his wife Anne, 3rd Duchess of Hamilton in her own right, Hamilton was born at Hamilton Palace, in Lanarkshire. He was a descendant through his mother of the Scottish House of Stewart and therefore had a significant claim to the thrones of both Scotland and England. He was educated by a series of tutors, until he was of age to attend the University of Glasgow. Following this he travelled to the continent on the Grand Tour, fashionable amongst young noblemen of the time. He was styled until 1698 as the Earl of Arran.

Source: Wikipedia