Owen Rowe facts for kids

Owen Rowe (around 1592–1661) was an important person during a very exciting and sometimes difficult time in English history. He was one of the people who played a part in the trial and punishment of King Charles I of England.

Who Was Owen Rowe?

Owen Rowe was born in England around the year 1592. He lived during a time when England was going through many changes, especially in politics and religion. He became known for his strong beliefs and his role in major events that shaped the country.

Early Life and Beliefs

Owen Rowe started his career as a haberdasher in London. A haberdasher was someone who sold small items for sewing, like needles, thread, and ribbons. As he grew older, Rowe became very interested in Puritan ideas. Puritans were a group of people who wanted to make the Church of England simpler and more strict, following their religious beliefs very closely.

Moving to the Colonies

Rowe's strong Puritan beliefs led him to support and help create new settlements across the ocean. He was involved in setting up the Massachusetts colony in North America. This colony was known for its strong religious rules, which meant that people who didn't share the same Puritan beliefs might not have been welcome. He also helped with the colony in Bermuda, an island in the Atlantic Ocean.

Joining the Militia

After spending some time helping with the colonies, Owen Rowe returned to London. He joined the Green Regiment, which was part of London's trained bands militia. A militia was a group of ordinary citizens who were trained to be soldiers, ready to defend their city or country. Rowe quickly showed his leadership skills. By 1642, he had been promoted to the rank of Colonel, a very important position in the military.

The English Civil War and King Charles I

The 1640s were a time of great conflict in England, known as the First English Civil War. This war was fought between King Charles I and the Parliament, which was the country's law-making body. The war was about who should have more power: the King or Parliament. Owen Rowe was a strong supporter of Parliament.

A Key Role in the Trial

After the war ended, King Charles I was captured. In 1646, Owen Rowe was chosen to be one of the men who would decide the King's fate. He was part of the court that tried the King. This was a very unusual and serious event, as it was rare for a king to be put on trial by his own people. Rowe was one of the people who signed the official document that led to the King's death.

Life After the War

After the Civil War and the King's punishment, Owen Rowe moved to Bermuda. There, he became the Deputy-Governor of the British colony. This meant he was second in command and helped manage the colony. Later, in 1655, he supported people who were against Captain-General George Monck. Monck would later play a big part in bringing the King's son, Charles II, back to the throne in an event called the Stuart Restoration.

Later Years and Legacy

The political situation in England changed again. In 1659, Owen Rowe was arrested. He was found guilty of his role in the King's trial and punishment. He was then sent to the Tower of London, a famous prison.

Arrest and Imprisonment

Owen Rowe spent his final days imprisoned in the Tower of London. He died there in 1660. His life shows how much England changed during the 17th century, from a country ruled by a king to one where Parliament had more power, and then back again. People like Owen Rowe played a big part in these important historical events.