Robert Bowyer (diarist) facts for kids

Robert Bowyer (born around 1560, died 1621) was an important English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament, from 1601 to 1610.

He worked as the Keeper of the Records at the Tower of London when King James I of England first became king. Later, in 1610, he became the Clerk of the Parliaments. Robert Bowyer is famous for his Diary. This diary shares many details about what happened in Parliament between 1605 and 1607.

It's good to know that there were other people named Robert Bowyer around at the same time. This Robert Bowyer is not the one who got some small jobs in the government's money department in 1604. He is also not his cousin, Robert Bowyer (who died in 1626), a merchant from London.

Robert Bowyer's Early Life and Career

Robert Bowyer was the second son of William Bowyer. His father was also a Keeper of the Records at the Tower of London. Robert's mother was Agnes. She was the daughter of Sir John Harcourt. Robert had an older brother, William, who died young. He also had a sister named Judith and an older half-brother, Henry Knyvett.

Family and Education

Robert's father passed away in 1569 or early 1570. Young Robert then went to live with his uncle, Francis Bowyer. His uncle was a rich businessman in London. Robert went to Oxford University and earned his first degree in 1579. He then continued his studies at Clifford's Inn and later at the Middle Temple in 1580. These were places where people studied to become lawyers.

Working for Lord Buckhurst

Robert Bowyer started working for Thomas Sackville, who was Lord Buckhurst. Lord Buckhurst later became the Earl of Dorset. In 1594 and 1597, Robert tried to get the job of Clerk of the Parliaments. This was a very important job as the main clerk for the House of Lords. However, he didn't get the job at first.

The job went to Thomas Smith. Thomas Smith wrote to Queen Elizabeth's secretary, Robert Cecil. He said that Robert Bowyer might be worthy of other important jobs. But he also said that Robert was "not fit for this place, by reason of a great imperfection he hath in his speech." This meant Robert had trouble speaking clearly. Even so, Robert was promised the job for later. He finally got it after Thomas Smith died in December 1609.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1599, Lord Buckhurst became the Lord Treasurer. This was a very high position in the government, in charge of the country's money. By this time, Robert Bowyer was working as Lord Buckhurst's secretary. He likely stayed in this job until Lord Buckhurst died in 1608.

Because of Lord Buckhurst's support, Robert Bowyer was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Steyning in 1601. During his first time as an MP, it was noted that he "swooned upon a sudden." This means he fainted suddenly. He recovered quickly, and people said he might have had a mild form of "falling sickness," which was an old term for epilepsy.

Keeper of Records and His Diary

In 1604, Robert Bowyer was given his father's old job: Keeper of the Records at the Tower of London. He shared this job with his nephew, Henry Elsynge. On October 31, 1605, Robert was elected as an MP again, this time for Evesham.

Because of his experience and job, Robert Bowyer was often asked to join groups that looked for old rules or official papers. He helped the House of Commons by providing official records. During this time, he kept a detailed diary about Parliament and political events. This diary still exists today and is very important for historians.

Collector of Manuscripts

Just like his father, Robert Bowyer loved collecting old handwritten books and documents. He even owned the famous Lindisfarne Gospels. This is a very old and beautiful religious book. Robert's signature can still be seen in it, though you need special light to see it now. We don't know much about who owned the Lindisfarne Gospels before Robert.

Clerk of the Parliaments

Thomas Smith, the person who had the Clerk of the Parliaments job, died in December 1609. Robert Bowyer then officially became the Clerk of the Parliaments on January 30, 1610. He had to leave his seat in the House of Commons to take this new role. Soon after, he brought Henry Elsynge to help him in the House of Lords. Robert and Henry continued to be joint Keepers of the Records at the Tower until 1612.

Robert Bowyer spent the rest of his life organizing and protecting the records of Parliament. He found these records in a very messy and uncared-for state. He worked hard to make sure they were preserved for the future.

Later Life and Legacy

Robert Bowyer passed away on March 15, 1621. He was buried at St Dunstan-in-the-West the next day. He never married. In his will, he left his books and papers to Henry Elsynge. Henry Elsynge then took over from Robert as the Clerk of the Parliaments. Robert's will was officially confirmed on November 22, 1622.

Robert Bowyer's Published Works

Robert Bowyer's diary from his years in the House of Commons was published as a book. It is called The Parliamentary Diary of Robert Bowyer, 1606–1607. It was edited by David Harris Willson and first came out in 1931. It was printed again in 1971.

Robert Bowyer and Henry Elsynge also took official notes when they were Clerks of the Parliaments. These notes were published as Notes of the Debates in the House of Lords Officially Taken by Robert Bowyer and Henry Elsing 1621, 1625, 1628. This book was edited by Frances Helen Relf and published in 1929.