James Hamilton Biography and Timeline

Birth of James Hamilton

Birth of James Hamilton, Duke of Chƒtellerault and 2nd Earl of Arran, through his paternal grandmother Mary of Scotland, Hamilton is the great grandson of James II of Scotland

Factional Struggle

James Hamilton, Earl of Arran, remains a leading rival in the factional struggle for influence over James V.

Role range: 1503-1529

Death of James Hamilton

On the death of John Stewart, Duke of Albany, Arran becomes the next heir of the Kingdom of Scotland after the King's immediate family

Heir Presumptive

Becomes heir presumptive behind the infant Queen Mary, strengthening his claim to lead the Scottish government.

Role range: 1542-1554

Governor of Scotland

Is chosen Governor of Scotland during the minority of Mary Queen of Scots and takes responsibility for royal government.

Role range: 1542-1554

Regency

Appointed Regent

Peace Agreement with England

Accepts the proposed marriage between Mary and Prince Edward.

Role range: 1543-1551 – 1542-1554

Treaty of Greenwich

Agrees peace terms with England in the Treaty of Greenwich.

Role range: 1543-1551 – 1542-1554

Treaty of Greenwich

Agrees to peace afte the marriage of Margaret & Edward. Agrees that Queen Mary will marry the Prince Edward at the age of 10

Greenwich Treaty Ratified

His support for the English marriage policy soon collapses.

Role range: 1543-1551 – 1542-1554

Treaty Ratification

Ratifies the Treaty of Greenwich before opposition strengthens.

Role range: 1543-1551 – 1542-1554

Pro-French Policy

Aligns increasingly with the Catholic and pro-French faction.

Role range: 1542-1554

Return to Catholic Policy

Moves away from his earlier pro-English religious and diplomatic policy.

Role range: 1542-1554

Treaty of Greenwich

Appoints Mary & Beaton to the Regency Council & re-enters the Roman Church

Treaty of Greenwich

Persuaded by Cardinal Beaton to nullify the Treaty of Greenwich

Arrest of David Beaton

Releases David Beaton from prison

Dynastic Marriage Negotiations

Becomes a Catholic and joins the pro-French faction, consenting to the marriage of the Queen to the French Dauphin, later Francis II

Role range: 1542-1554

Marriage

Involved in negotiating the marriage of the Queen of Scots to the infant Prince Edward (the future Edward VI). Becomes a Catholic and joins the pro-French faction, consenting to the marriage of the Queen to the French Dauphin, later Francis II

Role range: 1542-1554

Battle of Lothian

The troops of Mary of Guise & the Earl of Arran make a stand against the English

Role range: 1542-1554

Battle of Ancrum Moor

Arran helps command the Scottish forces that defeat the English army at Ancrum Moor.

Role range: 1542-1554

Battle of Ancrum Moor

Arran celebrates the Scottish victory after Ancrum Moor as the battle halts English incursions in the Borders.

Role range: 1542-1554

Council Government

Arran works through the council to manage Scottish government during war with England.

Role range: 1542-1554

Regency

Arran governs Scotland for the infant Mary I while war with England continues.

Role range: 1542-1554

War Administration

Arran coordinates government measures for defence after English pressure on the Borders continues.

Role range: 1542-1554

Alliance Mary Queen of Scots and Henry II's son

The Scottish Parliament agrees marriage between Mary Queen of Scots & Henry IIs son. Agreed by the Earl of Arran & Henry II

Marriage

The Scottish Parliament agrees marriage between Mary Queen of Scots & Henry IIs son

Battle of Pinkie Cleugh

The last Battle fought between England & Scotland as independent kingdoms. The English win & occupy Edinburgh. Launches an attack on the English under Somerset. 16,000 under Somerset invade Scotland, met by 23,000 under Arran at the Esk

Capture of Edinburgh

After their victory at Pinkie Cleugh the English occupy Edinburgh

Siege of Edinburgh

After their victory at Pinkie Cleugh the English occupy Edinburgh

Marriage

The Queen of Scots goes to live in the French court, for his work on negotiating the marriage, Hamilton is created Duc de Chƒtellerault, and made a Knight of the Order of Saint Michael

Role range: 1542-1554

Peerage

The Queen of Scots goes to live in the French court, for his work on negotiating the marriage, Hamilton is created Duc de Chƒtellerault, and made a Knight of the Order of Saint Michael

Role range: 1542-1554

Regency

Hamilton gives up the Regency on the condition that he would be next in line after Queen Mary, if she died childless, but the Scottish succession had been secretly promised to France. Arran surrenders the Regency to Mary of Guise, Mary Queen of Scots mother

Role range: 1542-1554

Rule of Scotland

Hamilton gives up the Regency on the condition that he would be next in line after Queen Mary, if she died childless, but the Scottish succession had been secretly promised to France

Role range: 1542-1554

Lords of the Congregation

Hamilton changes allegiance again, joining the Protestant Lords of the Congregation to oppose the regency of Mary of Guise

Regency

Hamilton changes allegiance again, joining the Protestant Lords of the Congregation to oppose the regency of Mary of Guise

Death of James Hamilton

When Francis II dies Hamilton attempts, without success, to arrange for his son James to marry the young widowed Queen Mary

Marriage

When Francis II dies Hamilton attempts, without success, to arrange for his son James to marry the young widowed Queen Mary

Marriage Proposal to Elizabeth

Scottish Protestants promote Arran as a possible husband for Elizabeth I

Role range: 1559-1560 – 1560-1560

Mental Health Crisis

Arran's political role weakens during a period of mental distress

Role range: 1561-1561

Marriage Hopes Fade

Arran's hopes of marrying Elizabeth or Mary fade amid political instability

Role range: 1561-1561 – 1561-1561