Link: Hamilton

The Flemings and the Hamilton family
Allies, 1453 - 1692

The Hamiltons, Earls of Arran and later Dukes of Châtelherault, were among the most powerful families of sixteenth-century Scotland. The Flemings served under them, sat with them in Parliament and married into their family.

Service with the Hamiltons

In 1453 Sir David Fleming of Boghall was one of fifteen supporters of James, Lord Hamilton, who were given safe passage through England to visit Rome. In 1511 John, 2nd Lord Fleming, was vice-admiral of the fleet that James IV sent to help France under the Earl of Arran. In March 1543, after the death of James V, Malcolm, 3rd Lord Fleming, sat in the Parliament that made James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Arran, governor of Scotland. He then served on the council that advised him.

The governor’s daughter

In December 1553 James, 4th Lord Fleming, married Lady Barbara Hamilton, daughter of the governor, now Duke of Châtelherault. That month he granted her a liferent in part of the barony of Lenzie, and she also held Kildowan and Auchtermony. Their only child, Jean Fleming, became Countess of Cassillis.

Later connections

In 1567 the Hamiltons and Flemings were together in Queen Mary’s party. Later marriages linked the Hamiltons with the Fleming branches of Carwood and Boghall, and in 1692 with the Flemings of Farme. There were also clashes: in 1480 the 1st Lord Fleming needed a royal remission for raids on Lord Hamilton. In 1611 the 2nd Earl was commissioned to arrest Alexander Hamilton, a rebel accused of murder.