Hamilton, James, 1st earl of Arran [key], 1477?–1529, Scottish nobleman; son of the 1st Baron Hamilton and Mary, daughter of James II of Scotland. He was privy councilor to James IV, by whom he was created (1503) earl of Arran. After the death (1513) of James and the marriage of his widow, Margaret Tudor, to Archibald Douglas, 6th earl of Angus, Arran opposed their custody of the young James V. He rebelled against the new regent, John Stuart, duke of Albany, in 1515 but thereafter supported him, serving on the council of regency during Albany's absences (1517–20 and 1522–24). When Angus returned (1524) to Scotland, Arran had to come to terms with him and assisted him in keeping the king prisoner. After James's escape (1528), however, Arran joined the royal party.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: British and Irish History: Biographies
