Sophia Hamilton d.1735
Sophia HAMILTON, d.1735
Biographical Note
Sophia Hamilton (née Mordaunt) was the third daughter of John Mordaunt, 1st Viscount Mordaunt (1626-1675), and Elizabeth Carey (1632-1678). In 1687, she married James Hamilton of Bangor (d.1707), the descendent of a prominent Plantation family.
Books
In her will, Sophia left her books to her daughters, Anne Ward (d.1766) and Margaret Butler, Lady Ikerrin (n.d.). The extent and disposition of her book collection are not known. A small number of books which belonged to Sophia are present in the library at Castle Ward, County Down. These books are in English and are predominantly religious in subject.
Characteristic Markings
Sophia’s initials (S.H.) are found on fourteen books at Castle Ward, either on the spine or the back board; her manuscript inscription features on the title page of three books. These books are generally calf bindings of the period, sometimes sprinkled and panelled, and with minimal use of gilt (confined to spine titles, spine initials, and, on one occasion, a shelfmark).
Sources
- Purcell, Mark, The Big House Library in Ireland, Swindon, 2011, 21-26.
- Reilly, Emily G.S., Historical Anecdotes of the Families of the Boleynes, Careys, Mordaunts, Hamiltons and Jocelyns, Newry, 1839, 70-71.
- The Will of Sophia Hamilton, Public Records Office Northern Ireland D4216/4/4.