Douglas Proby

Douglas James Proby DL, JP (23 September 1856 – 18 November 1931) was a British soldier and politician. He was born as Douglas Hamilton, the only son of Lord Claud Hamilton (1813–1884) and Lady Elizabeth Emma, second daughter of Granville Proby, 3rd Earl of Carysfort. His great-grandfather was John Hamilton, 1st Marquess of Abercorn, and his uncle was James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn. In 1904, he legally changed his surname to Proby by Royal licence, adopting the surname of his maternal family.

Proby received his education at Eton College and matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford, on 15 January 1875. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1879 and was awarded a Master of Arts degree in 1912.

In January 1880, Proby was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the 109th Regiment of Foot, having graduated from the military college. In April of the same year, he transferred to the Coldstream Guards. During the Anglo-Egyptian War, he served with the 1st Battalion. He later participated in the Mahdist War with the 2nd Battalion, including the Battle of Suakin in 1888. Following the conflict, he was promoted to the rank of captain in 1891 and transferred to the 5th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.

From 1897, Proby was involved in recruiting efforts around Glasgow, and he was promoted to major in 1898. In 1900, he was attached to the Irish Guards and advanced to the rank of lieutenant-colonel four years later. He was promoted to brevet-colonel in 1907 and retired from active service in 1908. During World War I, between 1914 and 1917, he commanded a regimental district.

Proby entered politics as a Member of Parliament representing Saffron Walden during the January 1910 general election. However, he lost his parliamentary seat in the December 1910 election and did not return to Parliament thereafter.

In addition to his military and political careers, Proby held several public service roles. He was appointed High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire in 1923. He served as Justice of the Peace for Northamptonshire and Hampshire, the latter including County Wicklow, Ireland. He was also appointed Deputy Lieutenant for Hampshire and Wicklow. Proby was invested as an Officer of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem (OStJ).

He married Lady Margaret Frances Hely-Hutchinson on 6 July 1882. She was the daughter of Richard Hely-Hutchinson, 4th Earl of Donoughmore. The couple had four sons and one daughter. Proby died at his residence, Elton Hall, in 1931. His eldest son, Granville, served as a lord-lieutenant, and his third son, Richard, was created a baronet.