History - Hamilton Family

The 14th Duke & Duchess of Hamilton

In 1946, Lennoxlove was sold to the 14th Duke and Duchess of Hamilton. The 14th Duke was a Scottish middle-weight champion boxer and known internationally as the chief pilot of the first expedition to fly over Mount Everest.

Together in the late 1960s the family undertook an extensive programme of redecoration to create a fitting background for one of Scotland’s most important collection of family portraits.

They were actively involved in the public activities in Haddington. The Duchess set up the Lamp of Lothian Trust in 1967 to fund and oversee the restoration of many historic buildings in Haddington.

On the Duke’s death in 1973 Lennoxlove was inherited by his son, Angus who became the 15th Duke of Hamilton until his death in 2010. He was a well known engineer, test pilot, racing driver and author. Lennoxlove House is now the home of our current Duke, Alexander, the 16th Duke of Hamilton and his family.

Historic Rooms

Visitors to Lennoxlove House can enjoy seeing the 700 year-old Great Hall, the Yellow & Blue reception rooms and the Stewart Room, all of which are furnished and hung with pictures reflecting different periods of history.

Famous People

Lennoxlove House is linked to many historical people. The Maitland Family, previous owners of the property, were closely connected to Mary, Queen of Scots.

A copy of the French silver casket said to have contained the letters and tokens sent between Queen Mary and the Earl of Bothwell, which incriminated the Queen in the murder of her second husband, Lord Darnley, can be viewed at Lennoxlove. The original is now held by the National Museum of Scotland.