Primary historical sources reveal that the Dukedom of Hamilton was created by the Black King Charles I (see Issue # 12 of the Stewarts) in the 16th century. The House of Douglas also formed part of the House of Hamilton: ”Sholto-du-glash means ‘behold the Black or swarthy-coloured man’ (Rogers, 1940, p.40-see issue # 9, p.68). The etymon of Douglas is discussed in issue # 12, p.72).
How is the original James, Duke of Hamilton described from a primary source? “…descended from the House of Stuart, and having a great interest in that kingdom, by his relations and dependants. He has a great estate, and three brothers earls, Selkirk, Orkney and Ruglen; a fourth a commander at sea; he is of a middle stature, well made, of a black coarsecomplexion, a brisk look, toward 50 years old…was murdered by that villain Macartney, an Irish Scot”. (Swift, 1801, p.237).
”Our history is like a fractured diamond” (Dr Ivan Van Sertima). The scholars committed to the tremendous task of putting the pieces back together again do it for the next generations to come.