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James Hamilton, Lord Pencaitland

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James Hamilton, Lord Pencaitland, by Juriaen Pool

James Hamilton, Lord Pencaitland (1659–1729) was a Scottish judge and Senator of the College of Justice.

Life

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He was born in Edinburgh on 28 August 1659 the son of judge, Robert Hamilton, Lord Presmennan and his wife Marion Denholm.[1]

Trained as a lawyer, he was created a Writer to the Signet in February 1683.[2] In 1698 he bought the Pencaitland estate east of Edinburgh.[3] There he built Pencaitland House (destroyed by fire in 1878).[4] In November 1712 he was elected a Senator of the College of Justice in place of Dugald Stewart, Lord Blairhall and adopted the title "Lord Pencaitland".[5]

In 1726 he stood down from most roles due to gout. He died in Edinburgh on 30 May 1729. His position as Senator was filled by John Pringle, Lord Haining.[6]

Artistic recognition

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His portrait, by Juriaen Pool, is stored at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Burke's Peerage: Hamilton
  2. ^ https://www.patrickspeople.scot/our%20family/20006.htm
  3. ^ https://www.wintoncastle.co.uk/winton-estate/winton-history/lawyers-turn-lairds/
  4. ^ Buildings of Scotland: Lothian by Colin McWilliam
  5. ^ An Historical Account of the Senators of the College of Justice: Brunton, Haig and Lockhart
  6. ^ An Historical Account of the Senators of the College of Justice: Brunton, Haig and Lockhart
  7. ^ "Known as James Hamilton, Lord Pencaitland, 1659 - 1729. Judge".