Edmund Bowyer (died 1627) facts for kids

This picture shows Bowyer's House in Camberwell. He bought the land for it in 1583.

Sir Edmund Bowyer (born May 12, 1552 – died February 18, 1627) was an important English person. He was a lawyer, a landowner, and a politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like today's government, many times between 1593 and 1624.

Edmund Bowyer's Early Life

Edmund Bowyer was the oldest son of John Bowyer. His mother was Elizabeth Draper. Her father, Robert Draper, worked for King Henry VIII.

Edmund started studying law at a famous place called Lincoln's Inn in 1569. He took over his father's lands and properties around 1570. By 1577, he became a lawyer. From 1582, he was a Justice of the Peace for Surrey. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area. In 1583, he bought more land in Camberwell, adding to his family's property.

Sir Edmund Bowyer's Political Career

In 1593, Edmund Bowyer was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Morpeth. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the government. He was elected MP for Southwark in 1597.

From 1600 to 1601, he held an important job called High Sheriff for Surrey and Sussex. He was given the title "Sir" in 1603, becoming Sir Edmund Bowyer. In 1604, he was elected MP for Surrey. By 1614, he was a Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey. This meant he helped the King's representative in the county. He was elected MP for Surrey again that year.

Sir Edmund also cared about education. He was one of the people who helped run the free grammar school in Camberwell. This school was started in 1615. In 1616, he attended the opening of Dulwich College. He had sold some land to help the college get started. In 1624, he was elected MP for Gatton.

His Later Life and Family

Sir Edmund Bowyer passed away when he was 74 years old.

He married Katherine Bynd in 1573. She was the daughter of William Bynd. Sir Edmund left his lands in Camberwell to his nephew, also named Edmund. This nephew later became an MP for Gatton too.