Formerly hanging in Hamilton Palace, South
Lanarkshire, now at Lennoxlove, East Lothian
As a young man Alexander spent several years on
the Continent, studying the arts. In 1801 he returned home. Appointed
Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire and Colonel of the Militia in 1802,
he was elected M.P. for Lancaster in 1803 and appointed a Privy
Councillor.
Called to the House of Lords in 1806 as Baron
Dutton he was appointed by Fox as Ambassador to Russia, but was
recalled in 1807 on a change of government. After travelling in
Russia and Poland he returned to Scotland in 1808.
Succeeding to the Dukedom in 1819 he greatly enlarged
Hamilton Palace and built the Mausoleum which still stands. Known
as 'El Magnifico' he filled the palace with art treasures and an
extensive library.
|