Thomas Edward Bowdich facts for kids

Thomas Edward Bowdich, a brave explorer.

Thomas Edward Bowdich (born June 20, 1791 – died January 10, 1824) was an English explorer and writer. He is known for his travels in Africa and his important work about the Ashanti Kingdom.

Early Life and Adventures

Thomas Bowdich was born in Bristol, England. He went to Bristol Grammar School. In 1813, he married Sarah Wallis. Sarah was also an adventurer and shared many of his journeys.

In 1814, Thomas got a job with the African Company of Merchants. This company managed British settlements on the Gold Coast (which is now Ghana). His uncle, John Hope Smith, was a governor there and helped him get the job. Thomas was sent to Cape Coast.

Meeting the Ashanti King

In 1817, Thomas Bowdich went on an important trip to Kumasi. This was the capital city of the powerful Ashanti Empire. He traveled with two friends, William Hutchison and Henry Tedlie. Their mission was to meet Osei Bonsu, the King of Asante. Thomas was very good at talking to people and solving problems. Because of his skills, the mission was a success. It helped Britain gain more control over the people living along the coast.

Sharing His Discoveries

In 1818, Thomas Bowdich returned to England. A year later, in 1819, he published a book about his journey. It was called Mission from Cape Coast Castle to Ashantee. This book shared what he learned about the Ashanti court and their culture.

Thomas also gave his collection of Ashanti items to the British Museum. These items showed the amazing crafts of the Ashanti people at that time. His collection is still very important today. It includes some of the oldest surviving Ashanti materials, like an ancient adinkra cloth.

Changing the Gold Coast

Thomas Bowdich was not happy with how the African Company of Merchants was run. He spoke out against them. His strong words helped convince the British government to take over direct control of the Gold Coast. This meant the company no longer managed the area.

Later Travels and Legacy

From 1820 to 1822, Thomas lived in Paris, France. He studied math and science. He became friends with famous scientists like Georges Cuvier and Alexander von Humboldt. While in France, he wrote more books about Africa and science.

In 1822, Thomas and his wife went to Lisbon, Portugal. He studied old maps and writings there. He then published a book called An Account of the Discoveries of the Portuguese in . . . Angola and Mozambique in 1824.

Final Journey

In 1823, Thomas and Sarah traveled to Madeira and the Cape Verde Islands. Then they arrived in Bathurst (now Banjul) in Gambia. They planned to go to Sierra Leone and explore more of Africa's interior. Sadly, Thomas Bowdich became sick with malaria and died in Bathurst on January 10, 1824. He left behind his wife, Sarah, and their three children.

After his death, his wife, Sarah (Wallis) Bowdich Lee, wrote about their last journey. Her book was called Excursions in Madeira and Porto Santo . . . to which is added A Narrative of the Continuance of the Voyage to its Completion, &c (1825). Later, in 1873, Thomas's daughter republished his famous book, Mission from Cape Coast Castle to Ashantee.

Images for kids

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  Title page of Bowdich's book about his mission to Ashantee.