John Bowtell facts for kids
John Bowtell (born 1753, died 1813) was an English historian and mapmaker who studied places. He was known for his love of Cambridge and his generous gifts to the city.
About John Bowtell
John Bowtell was born in 1753 in Cambridge, England. He lived in the Holy Trinity area of the city. As he grew up, he became a bookbinder and a stationer. This means he made and sold books and writing supplies.
His Hobbies and Work
John Bowtell loved to learn about his hometown. He spent a lot of time writing a history book about Cambridge. This book included details about the famous University of Cambridge and an old building called Barnwell Priory. He collected many interesting things, like old rocks (fossils), handwritten documents (manuscripts), and other unique items.
He was also very passionate about bell-ringing. He was a member of a group called the London College Youths. In 1788, at Great St. Mary's church in Cambridge, he rang a very large bell. This bell weighed about 30 hundredweight (which is about 1,500 kilograms!). He managed to ring 6,609 harmonious changes. This is a special way of ringing bells in a pattern, often called "twelve-in" or "bob maximus."
His Legacy and Gifts
John Bowtell did not have a family of his own. When he passed away on December 1, 1813, at the age of 60, he left many important gifts to Cambridge. These gifts helped the city in several ways:
- He gave £7,000 to make Addenbrooke's Hospital bigger. This helped more people get medical care.
- He gave £1,000 to help repair Holy Trinity Church.
- He gave £500 to help repair St. Michael's Church.
- He gave £500 to help boys from Hobson's workhouse learn a trade. This helped them get jobs.
- He gave his history book about Cambridge, his other writings, his books, his fossils, and his curiosities to Downing College.
John Bowtell was buried at St. Michael's Church. The leaders of Addenbrooke's Hospital put a special plaque there to remember him. They also placed a picture of him in their meeting room.
