Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, Kt.

SIR JAMES HAMILTON OF FINNART

Steward of the Royal Household and Master of Works

Sir James Hamilton of Finnart is the bastard son of James, Earl of Arran. Wikipedia:James Hamilton of Finnart

Death

Sir James Hamilton of Finnart was executed for treason on 16 August 1540. Wikipedia James Hamilton of Finnart

Marriage

Sir James Hamilton of Finnart married Margaret Livingston. Wikipedia James Hamilton of Finnart

Children by Margaret Livingston

1. Sir James Hamilton of Crawfordjohn
2. Andrew Hamilton of Snar and Glenkip
3. Grizel Hamilton
4. Agnes Hamilton

Bastard Children by Elizabeth Murray

1. James Hamilton, junior
2. Elizabeth Hamilton, primus, Lady Calderwood

Bastard Child of Elizabeth Elphinestone

1. Elizabeth Hamilton, secundus

Bastard Children: Mothers Unknown

1. Agnes Hamilton, Lady Dalmahoy
2. Alexander Hamilton of Netherfield
3. Alexander Hamilton of Netherfield

Evidence from the National Records of Scotland

15 April 1529: Extract act of the consistorial court of Glasgow narrating delivery of detailed writs of the lands of Drumry by John Hammyltoun of Fynnart, kt, to Laurence Craufurd of Kilbirny, kt, in security of sale of the said lands. [Defaced fragments of seal of official of Glasgow].National Records of Scotland, Papers of the Earls of Glasgow (Crawford Priory), reference GD20/1/634

Comment: John Hammyltoun of Fynnart should read James Hammytoun of Fynnat kt.

Evidence from the Protocol Book of Thomas Johnsoune

                   1

31 March 1537:Obligation by George Hammyltoun of Katcastell who pledged for Andrew Hammyltoun, natural son of Sir James Hammyltoun of Fynnart. The Protocol Book of Dominus Thomas Johnsoune, 1528-1578 (Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 1920), protocol number 136 on p. 26

                   2

2 January 1538-39: Charter by which John, Lord Lindsay of Byris, confirms Sir James Hamilton of Finnart's possession of the lands of Manerstoun. Sir James had resigned these lands for a new grant in favour of himself and a number of named heirs, including bastard sons named Andrew Hamilton, James Hamilton, and Alexander Hamilton. The Protocol Book of Dominus Thomas Johnsoune, 1528-1578 (Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 1920), protocol number 176 on p. 34

                   3

11 October 1539: Instrument of sasine in favour of Sir James Hammyltoun Fynnart in the lands of Moor and Forrest of Bothwell in the barony of Bothwell and sheriffdon of Lanark. The land is destined to a number of named heirs including Sir James's natural sons, Andrew Hammyltoun, James Hammyltoun, and Alexander Hammyltoun. The Protocol Book of Dominus Thomas Johnsoune, 1528-1578 (Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 1920), protocol number 202 on pp. 39-40

Evidence from the Protocol Book of Gavin Ross

February 1530: Instrument of sasine in favour of Sir James Hamyltoun of Fynnart and his wife Margaret Levinstoun which follows from a precept issued by the King which instructs Sir William Crawford of Barquhory, sheriff of Ayr, Lanark, Stirling, Dumbarton, and Renfrew, to give sasine of the lands of Uchiltre and others to Sir James and his wife Margaret Levinstoun. Sir James was also to receive the sheriifship of Renfrew and the Coronator of Lanark by delivery of a staff as use is. The Reverend John Anderson, and Francis J. Granr, W.S. (editors), The Propocol Book of Gavin Ross, N.P., 1512-1532 (Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 1908), protocol number 1117 on p. 202

Biographical Accounts

1. Wikipedia James Hamilton of Finnart

Biographical Account Added by Janet Milburn on 11/11/22

The hall Hamilton of Finnart built for himself at Craignethan Castle. Sir James Hamilton of Finnart (c. 1495[1] – 16 August 1540) was a Scottish nobleman and architect, the illegitimate son of James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran, and Marion Boyd[2] of Bonshaw. Although legitimated in 1512 while still a minor, he continued to be known as the "Bastard of Arran". As a key member of the Hamilton family, and second cousin of James V, King of Scotland, he became a prominent member of Scottish society.