Sir John Bowyer, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir John Bowyer, 1st Baronet (born September 21, 1623 – died July 18, 1666) was an important English soldier and politician in the 1600s. He lived during a time of great change in England, including the English Civil War.
John Bowyer was the son of Sir William Bowyer. His father was a rich landowner from Knypersley Hall in Staffordshire, near a town called Biddulph. His mother was Hester Skeffington.
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Sir John Bowyer's Role in the English Civil War
During the English Civil War, John Bowyer was a Colonel in the Parliament's army. This was a big conflict between those who supported the King and those who supported Parliament.
Key Battles and Events
- He fought in the Battle of Hopton Heath. This was an important fight during the war.
- He also helped destroy Eccleshall Castle. Castles were often targets during the war because they were strongholds.
Sir John Bowyer's Political Career
Sir John Bowyer was also involved in politics, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP).
Early Time in Parliament
- In 1646, he was chosen to be an MP for Staffordshire. He joined the Long Parliament, which was a very important Parliament at the time.
- However, he was later removed from the House of Commons in December 1646. This happened during an event called Pride's Purge.
Later Parliamentary Roles
- In 1656, he was elected as an MP again, this time for Newcastle-under-Lyme. This was for the Second Protectorate Parliament, but he never actually took his seat.
- When the King returned to power in 1660, an event known as the Restoration, Bowyer was re-elected as an MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme. He served in the Convention Parliament until 1661.
Important Roles and Honors
Sir John Bowyer held several important positions and received special honors.
Arrest of Thomas Harrison
- After the King returned, Bowyer was a Colonel in the Staffordshire Militia. This was like a local army.
- He was given the task of arresting Major-General Thomas Harrison. Harrison was one of the people who had signed the death warrant for King Charles I. These people were known as Regicides of Charles I.
Becoming a Baronet
- On September 11, 1660, King Charles II made John Bowyer a baronet. This was a special title that meant he was a knight, but the title could be passed down in his family. He became the first of the Bowyer baronets.
High Sheriff of Staffordshire
- In 1662, he also served as the High Sheriff of Staffordshire. This was a very important role in the local government, responsible for law and order in the county.
Sir John Bowyer's Family Life
Sir John Bowyer was married twice during his life.
First Marriage
- In 1648, he married Mary Milward. She was the daughter of Robert Milward from Bradlow Ash in Derbyshire.
Second Marriage
- In 1665, he married Elizabeth Egerton. She was the daughter of Sir Ralph Egerton from Betley in Staffordshire.
