James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran
James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran (1516–1575), was a Scottish nobleman and a prominent figure during the turbulent times of the Scottish Reformation. He was the son of James Hamilton, 2nd Lord Hamilton and became the heir to the Hamilton family estate. In 1542, he was made the Earl of Arran, and he played a significant role in Scottish politics, particularly as a rival to Mary, Queen of Scots.
As a leader of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, Hamilton was involved in various political and military conflicts. He served as the regent for Mary, Queen of Scots, after her return to Scotland in 1561. His tenure was marked by struggles for power among the Scottish nobility, and he eventually lost influence, leading to his retirement from public life.