Page "Elizabeth Campbell, 1st Baroness Hamilton of Hameldon" Paragraph 7

In January 1752, Elizabeth met the Duke of Hamilton.

According to Walpole, on 14 February ( St. Valentine's Day ) at a party at Bedford House, the duke declared his desire to marry Elizabeth that night and he called for a local parson to perform the ceremony.

However, without a license, calling of banns, and a ring, the parson refused.

They were eventually married that night in Mayfair Chapel ( which did not require a license ) in a clandestine marriage, with a ring from a bed-curtain, whereupon Elizabeth became the Duchess of Hamilton.