William Bowes (MP for County Durham) facts for kids

Sir William Bowes (born January 6, 1657 – died January 16, 1707) was an important British politician and a wealthy landowner. He lived during a time when kings and queens ruled England, and he helped make laws for the country.

Sir William Bowes: A Life in Politics

Early Life and Education

William Bowes was born in 1657. He grew up to become a knight, which was a special title given by the King. He studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, which is a very old and famous university in England. This education helped him prepare for his future in politics.

Serving in Parliament

Sir William Bowes became a Member of Parliament (often called an MP). An MP is a person chosen by the people to represent them in the country's government, called Parliament. Parliament is where laws are made.

Sir William was one of the two MPs for County Durham. He served in Parliament many times. He was an MP during the reign of King Charles II, and later during the time of King William III and Queen Anne. His son, George Bowes, also became an MP for County Durham later on.

Family and Wealth

Sir William Bowes married Elizabeth Blakiston on August 17, 1691. Elizabeth came from a wealthy family too. Her family owned large areas of land called the Gibside estates. These estates were very valuable because they had lots of coal underground.

The coal from the Gibside estates brought a lot of money to the Bowes family. This wealth helped the family, who later became known as the Bowes-Lyon family, become very powerful and influential.

Sir William and Elizabeth had several children: William Blakiston, Thomas, George, Anne, Elizabeth, Jane, and Margaret. One of their grandchildren, Mary Eleanor Bowes (born in 1745), became incredibly famous for her wealth. She was known as one of the richest women in Europe during her time.