John Bowes (speaker) facts for kids
John Bowes (born around 1383, died around 1444) was an important person in English politics. He served as the Speaker of the House of Commons of England for a short time in 1435.
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Who Was John Bowes?
John Bowes was a well-known lawyer and politician in England during the 1400s. He held several important jobs in the government and legal system. His career shows how people could move between law and politics in those times.
Early Life and Legal Training
John Bowes was born in Costock, a village in Nottinghamshire. His father was also named John Bowes. When he was young, John Bowes grew up under the care of Sir Thomas Rempstone. This was a common way for young people to be raised and educated in noble households back then.
He chose to study law and became a trained lawyer. He practiced law mainly in the Nottinghamshire area. This legal background was very useful for his future career in politics.
A Career in Parliament
John Bowes became involved in politics and government. In 1428, he was given the job of Escheator for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. An Escheator was a royal official who managed property that went back to the King when someone died without heirs.
He was elected to Parliament several times. He became a knight of the shire (which means he was a Member of Parliament, or MP) for Nottinghamshire. He was elected in 1429, 1432, 1435, and 1439.
What is a Speaker?
In October 1435, John Bowes was elected as the Speaker of the House of Commons. The Speaker is a very important role. They are the person who leads the debates in the House of Commons. They make sure everyone follows the rules and that discussions are fair. It's a bit like being the referee for a big debate.
John Bowes served as Speaker for a short period, from October to December 1435.
Representing Nottinghamshire
As a Knight of the Shire, John Bowes represented the people of Nottinghamshire in Parliament. This meant he spoke for their interests and helped make laws for the country. Being elected multiple times showed that people trusted him to do this job well.
Later Career and Legacy
After his time as Speaker, John Bowes went back to his legal work. He was appointed as the Recorder of London. The Recorder of London was a senior judge and legal advisor for the City of London. This was a very respected position in the legal world.
In 1442, he also served as an MP for the City of London. This shows his continued importance in both law and politics.
John Bowes passed away sometime in 1444. He did not have any children, so his property and belongings were passed on to his brother, William.
