84
L E N N O x L O V E C A S T L E
E A S T L O T H I A N , S C O T L A N D
H i s G r a c e T h e D u k e o f H a m i l t o n a n d B r a n d o n
The Dukes of Hamilton and their hauntingly romantic 14th-century stronghold
represent a colorful summary of Scottish history. Called Lennoxlove for Charles
II’s beloved, La Belle Stuart, Duchess of Lennox, the castle houses the death
mask of Mary, Queen of Scots, whose Regent was a Hamilton, and highlights
from the astonishing collections from Hamilton Palace, sadly demolished in
the twenties. This, the Duke’s principal ancestral home, was the largest private
house in Britain for centuries, set in its estate of some 400,000 acres. His Grace
Angus Alan Douglas Hamilton, 15th Duke of Hamilton and 12th Duke of
Brandon, relates to both English and Scottish thrones with many a close blood
tie as premier peer of Scotland and Hereditary Keeper of the Palace of Holy
Rood House, the Queen’s residence in Scotland. The Duke also happens to be
a Royal Air Force-trained test pilot with many Motor-car racing championships
to his name.