1st Duke of Hamilton; known as the 3rd Marquess of Hamilton from March 1625 until April 1643. James was born at Hamilton Palace in Lanarkshire, the son of James, 2nd Marquess of Hamilton, and the Lady Ann Cunningham, daughter of James, 7th Earl of Glencairn.
Wounded in the Battle of Preston. Taken prisoner on 25 August 1648 and tried on 6 February 1649, condemned to death on 6 March and executed by decapitation on 9 March at the Old Palace Yard, Palace of Westminster.
On 16 June 1622, 14/15 yr old James married 9 yr old Mary Feilding. They had six children, of whom four died in childhood :
Henrietta Mary (1631–1632)
Anne (1632–1716)
Susannah (1633–1694) m. The 7th Earl of Cassilis
Charles, Earl of Arran (c.1630 – 1640)
James (1635–1639)
William (1636–1638)
Following the death of his three sons, the dukedom passed by special remainder to his brother, The 1st Earl of Lanark.