John Bowyer was admitted of Lincoln’s Inn 15 March 1539/40, called to the Bar in 1548, called to the bench at Lincoln’s Inn in 1555, was an autumn reader at Lincoln’s Inn in 1556-7, and was treasurer at Lincoln’s Inn 1564-5 (Renshaw p. 31 fn). He was a Justice of the Peace in Surrey from about 1554 to 1570. Arms: Or, a bend vair cotised gules. His commonplace book is in the Minet Library, Lambeth. (Baker)
Events
Date of Birth: about 1520.
The estimated birth date is given by Baker (1:345).
Place of Birth: Shepton-Beauchamp, Somerset, England.
The birthplace is given by Blanch (p. 32) and Manning and Bray (3:409).
Date of Death: 10 October 1570.
Place of Death: unknown.
The date is given in John’s monumental inscription, given by Allport (p. 131) and Blanch (p. 32).
Date of Burial: 16 October 1570.
Place of Burial: Camberwell, Surrey, England (St Giles’s).
The burial is recorded in the parish register. The date is given by Nichols (p. 221), and in Collectanea Topographica et Genealogica (3:151).
Relationships
Father: John Bowyer.
Mother: Jone Brabant.
See the Commentary section.
Spouse: Ann Jenes. Married 29 April, 1540 at Camberwell.
The marriage is given in Collectanea Topographica et Genealogica (3:151).
Spouse: Elizabeth Draper. Married 17 June 1550 at Camberwell.
The marriage is given in Collectanea Topographica et Genealogica (3:151). The relationship is given in the 1623 Visitation of Surrey (p. 32), the 1619 Visitation of Leicester (p. 52), and the 1568 Visitation of London (p. 4).
Children (by Ann Jenes):
(Complete source citations for facts about the children on this page are currently outside of the scope of this project.)
Rice Bowyer (died young).
Thomas Bowyer (died young).
Anne Bowyer (died young).
Children (by Elizabeth Draper):
Sir Edmund Bowyer (born 12 May 1552 - buried 18 February 1626/7) married Katherine Byne 25 May 1573 at Camberwell.
Elizabeth Bowyer (born 10 June 1553 - died about 1629-1630) married (1) John Byne 25 May 1573 at Camberwell; married (2) Richard Stanley 24 June 1604 at Pulborough, Sussex.
John Bowyer (baptized 12 March 1559/60 - died 2 June 1623) married Emme Byne 2 July 1588 at Camberwell.
Matthew Bowyer (baptized 23 November 1561 - died s.p.).
Luke Bowyer (baptized 30 June 1562 - buried 18 May 1564 or 14 May 1565).
Benjamin Bowyer (baptized 13 July 1567 - died about 1617) married Joyce Cownden [Edney?] 14 December 1612 in Saint Saviour, Southwark.
Gregory Bowyer (baptized 18 September 1568 - buried 13 February 1607 in Worth, Sussex) married Mary.
Sence Bowyer (baptized 15 January 1570).
Evidence
from the memorandum book of John Bowyer [later handwritten transcriptions placed among the manorial records of Camberwell]:
Script. in Festo Sci Michaelis, Anno Dom. 1548: per Johan. Bowyer.
Stuffe of Household and other necessaries delyvered by me John Bowyer to certeyne p[er]sons, and remaynyng in their hands, as p[ar]ticlerly hereafter ensuythe, to be redelyvered uppon request made by me, my execut.rs, or assignes.
First: Lent to M.r Thomas Atkyns, dwelling in Aldermanbury in London, oone pair of andyrons of lattyn tornyd; and aboutt a yard long, w.t a fote of yron to the same, and a shyld of yron therein, and themperoures armes paynted in the sheld. The same to be re-delyvyrd agayn when the said Mr Atkins shalbe by me, my executors, or assignes requyred. 18 die Agusti, ao. 37.H.8.
Receved agayn 15 die September ao Dni 1552; & sent them to Cam[er]well, to my mother in lawes house. P[er] John Bowyer.
The andyrons bought of Alyver Rampons of Lymstrete in London; and coste 30 sh. ao. Dni 1540.
Item: Lent and delyverd to my brother John [Cole] at London: a trussing bedde, wt curteyn rodes; a fetherbedde; a bolster to the same; and a rondle to hange a towell on: 26 die Januarij, a.o 37. H.8: to be redelyverd uppon like request as above said.
Sent to Cam[er]well, Nov.8. 1553.
The writer mentions having lent to his brother John Cole at London, a quart potte, and several other pewter potes and dishes, brass pans; table cloths and napkins: Aug. 10: a.o 30 H.8; to be re-delivered upon request. All the linen was given to his brother, Nov. 8: 1553.
Item: Bought of my Sister Agnes Bowyer of Shepton Beauchampe, 7 die Decembris, a.o R R. H. 8. 38, a fetherbedde, and a brasse crocke, (w.ch was in pledge before w.t William Hodges of Ilchester, for the some of xx s.) and paid for the same to my sister xxvj s viij d , in witness of S.r Robert Briant, Richard Crowle and his wyffe, and Thomas Stokey of Shepton aforesaid; and the same lefte in her custodie and keping, to be redelyvered us, when wanten, uppon request: 22 die Julii, a.o R R. E. 6. 1.
Item Left in here custodie and keping also ij folding bords otherwise springbords w.t ij letres ev[er]y of them, whereof I bought oone of them of John Browne her late husband for x s.; and in oon of them left a little coffer full of Bookes. 22 die Julii, ao E. 6. 1. per me Joh. Bowyer.
Item: Left and delyvered in to the custodie and keping of Christopher Rownswell of Shepton Beauchamp, a borde w.t oone leaffe, a cheste, and a kusshyn -- 20 die Octobris, ao Dni 1539: and now lent to the said Cristoffer the same stuffe att my repaire to London from Shepton: 22 die Julii, ao R R. Ed: 6. 1.o per me Johannem Bowyer.
Item: Delyvered and lent to my Sister Agnes, at London, 24 die Martii, a.o R. R. E. v. 3. oon terter of grene Say, w.t grene frenge. per Joh. Bowyer.
And delyvered to my said Sister in Julii, ao Dni 1551: in Shepton Beauchampe: to redeeme a fetherbedd out of the hands of oon Tybbe, w.ch was laid to pledge to oon Sir Robt Brian, late Monke at Mountagne, for x s. wherof the same Sir Rob.t.did forgoe sij, and so delyrered my said Sister ix s. -- per me Johan. Bowyer.
Memorandum Book of John Bowyer of Camberwell ---- fol 240.241.
Wedyng apparrell bought for my Wyffe Elizabeth Drap, the Younger of Camerwell: agaynst 17 die Junii Ao Dni 1550: our desponsables.
First iiij ells of Tawney Taffata at xjs vjd the ell: for the Venice gowne … xlvj s
Item: vij yardes of Silk Chamleth crymsyn: at vijs vjd the yard: for a kirtle ll lijs vjd
Item i yard dim. of Tawney velvet: to gard the Venyce gowne: at xvs the yd ---xxijs vjd.
Item: dim. yard of Crymsyn Sattyn: for the fourslyvas --- vjs viijd.
Item: viij yar of Russette black: at iiijs vjd the yard: for a Dutch gowne --- xxxvjs.
Item: dim. yard of Tawney Sattyn --0 xs.
Item i yard quart.n of Velvett black: to gard the Dutch gowne--- xvijs viijd
Item: vj yards of Tawney Dasmaske: at xjs the yard: for a kirtill --- lxvjs
Item: i yard dim. pt of skarlett: for a petycote w.t plites: at xviijs the yard … xxs
fol. 252
Other entries relate to silver Goblets, Salt-cellars, and apostle spoons; Gold rings and Jewellery; Carpets & Cushions; Holland linen & Canvas sheets; and descend to pewter basins and dishes[?] - and brass candlesticks.
from the National Archives catalogue:
C 1/948/44
Short title: Bowyer v Bremell.
Plaintiffs: John BOWYER, of London.
Defendants: William BREMELL.
Subject: Land and right of pasture in Shepton Beauchamp demised at will by complainant. Somerset
Date: 1538-1544
Held by: The National Archives, Kew
from the Camberwell parish registers:
[1570]
October
John Bowyer Esquire was buryed the xvjth day
A transcription of the will of John Bowyer
In dei no[ie] amen the firste daye of Julye in the yere of our Lorde god a Thousand five hundreth thre score and nine Et Anno Regni Dne Elizabeth dei gra Regina [...][...] undecimo I John Bowyer of Camerwall in the Countye of Surrey Esquier beinge in helth of bodye hole of mynde and of perfecte remembrance (The praise onely to god be given therefore) for Dowbte of casuall(?) [th…] or sodeine sycknes and also for the quietnes of my owne mynde withe perfecte quietnes and concorde of my wif and children whiche I trust herbye herafter shall the better [...] do make and declare this my last wyll and Testament writen with myne owne hand in maner and forme folowinge Firste renownsing my all other willes hertofore made by me at anie tyme I do wholie and hartelye give and bequethe my my Sowle to allmightie god belevinge undoubtedlye that I shalbe saved and shalbe partaker of the joyes in heaven perpetualye by the deathe and passion of Jhses Christe the Sonne of god Saviour and Redemer of all mankinde, and I do aske god mercie and forgivenes of all my sinnes and offences and weakness and do hartelye beseche the allmightie god of his infinite mercie to spare my punishmentes deserved and not to punishe my wife and children for myne offenses and nowe beinge desyrous to sett forthe in order howe all suche landes Tenements and hereditaments as god hathe lente me in this vale of miserye and wretched troblesome world sholde be used and bestowed when I am gone as well for the avancement of my wife and children for whome duty and nature compelleth me to provide I do nowe therfore ordain this my laste will concerninge the disposison of my landes Tenementes and hereditamentes in the Counties of Summerset Dorset and Surr in maner and forme folowinge Firste I will and devise all those closes and landes called Machell Westfrete(?) [...twood] [...] [Mochell…] and gardens crofts withe their appurtenances within the manor of Bluntshaies in the Countye of Dorset, all whiche severall parcells of lande and closes now are called and knowen by the name of Esterbluntshaies and also thre closes of lande medows and pasture with their appurtenances called [Park…] Southfield and Le Perkley(?) within the manor also of Bluntshaies aforesaide withe thre closes next before menconed are and bene nowe called the Westerbluntshaies or Lyttlebluntshaies all whiche premisses one John Webber and Willm Webber do nowe holde and occupie together withe the revercon therof, and also all those closes of pasture and the two messuages conteyninge in the whole xxxiv acres be yt more or lesse lyinge in the parishe of Whitchurche in the said Countye of Dorset and beinge parcell of the saide manor of Bluntshaies and now in the tenure of one Thomas Dollyn and Robert Dollyn to John Bowyer my sonne To have and to holde the said parells of lande medowe and pasture nowe called Netherbluntshaies or lyttle Bluntshaies and Easter Bluntshaies and other the premisses with their appurtenances and the said two messuages and xxxtye acres of lande and other the premisses with their appurtenances and Revercon and Revercons therof to hym the sayd John Bowyer my sonne for terme of his naturall life without impeachmente of anie maner of whiche The Remainder therof after his decease to the firste lawfull begotten Sonne of the body of the saide John Bowier my sonne and to theyres males of the bodye of the same firste To come lawfulye begotten and for lak of suche yssue to the seconde lawfull begotten Sonne of the bodye of the same John Bowyer my sonne, and to the heyres males of the bodye of the saide seconde Sonne Lawfully to be Begotten and for lack of suche yssue to the thirde lawfull begotten Sonne of the bodye of the saide John Bowyer my sonne and to theires males of the body of the same third Sonne lawfullye to be begotten and for lack of such yssue to the fowerthe Lawfull begotten Sonne of the bodye of the saide John Bowyer my sonne and to theires males of the bodye of the saide fower the Sonne Lawfull to be begotten And so frome one sone of the bodye of the saide John Boier my sonne dying without yssue male of his bodye lawfullye begotten successivelye to the nexte lawfullye begotten Sonne of the bodye of the same John Bowyer my sonne and to theires males of everye such other sonne of his bodye lawfullye begotten successivelye one after an other in forme aforesaide as longe as anie Sonne or heyre male of his bodie shalbe and as my intente aforesaide apperethe yeldinge and payinge therfore yerelye to my heires and assignes foresaid(?) vij li iiis viiid of lawfull money of Englande at fower termes of the yere that is to say at the feasts of the Birthe of our Lord god the annunsiacon of our Ladye the nativitie of Sainte John Baptiste and Sainte Michaell tharchangell by even porcons the saide paiments of the saide yerlie Rents to comence and begin at suche tyme as the interestes and estates of the same premisses or of anie parte therof whiche have their beinge nowe shall cesse determine and become voide by death surrendure or fayfayture or by anie other waies whatsoever And Further I do also give will and devise that for defaulte of yssue male of the bodye of my saide sonne John of his bodie lawfully begotten the Remainder of all the premisses withe the appurtenances to the heires males of my bodye lawfullie begotten and to be begotten and for lacke of suche yssue to theires Females of my bodye lawfullye begotten and to be begotten Item I do will devise and bequethe by this my Wyll to my sonne Mathie Bowier all that my Tenemente withe thappurtenances called Asshewoode within the said manor of Bluntshaies and two closes called Jonnieslease and Okhey and one Tofte or Cotage called Cotslande with thappurtenances in Whitchurche aforesaide and nowe the date of this wyll in thoccupacon of one Johan Bugge widowe and also all that my Tenemente called Framptons place with thappurtenances and all those landes medows pastures and wood called Pincombe withe thappurtenances in the parishe of Whitchurche in the saide County of Dorset and nowe in the tenure or occupacon of one [blank] Edwards and the Revercons and Revercons of the premisses nexte before menconed To have and to holde the said Tenemente called Asshenwoode the two closes called Jonneslease and Okhey the saide Tofte or Cotage called Cotelande and the said Tenemente called Framptons place and all those landes medowes pasture and woode called Pincombe with all and singler their appurtenances and the Revercon and Revercons thereof to my saide sonne Mathie Bowier for and duringe the terme of his naturall lyfe without impeachment on anie maner of Waste the Remainder therof after his decease to the firste lawfull begotten sonne of the Bodye of the sayde Mathie Bowier my sonne and to theires males of the bodye of the same firste sonne lawfullie Begotten and for lacke of suche yssue to the seconde lawfull begotten sonne of the bodye of the same Mathie Bowyer my sonne and theires males of the bodye of the saide seconde sonne Lawfullie to be begotten and for lacke of suche yssue to the third lawfull begotten sonne of the bodye of the said Mathie Bowier my sonne and to theires males of the bodie of the same thirde sonne lawfullie to be begotten And for lacke of suche yssue to the fowerth lawfull begotten sonne of the bodie of the said Mathie Bowier my sonne and to theires males of the bodie of the saide fowerth sonne Lawfullye to be begotten And so from one sone of the bodie of the saide Mathie Bowier my sonne dyinge without yssue of male of his bodie lawfullie begotten successflye to the nexte Lawfull begotten sonne of the bodie of the same Mathie my sonne and to theires males of everie suche other Sonne of his bodie Lawfullie begotten successifelye one after thother in forme aforesaid as longe as anie sonne or yssue males of his bodie lawfullie begotten and to be begotten shalbe And for lak of suche yssue to theires Females of my bodye begotten Reservinge yeldinge and payinge yerelie to my heyres and assignes for the saide Tenemente called Asshenwoode the two closes called Joneslease and Okhei and the Tofte or Cotage called Costlande with thappurtenances XXXviijs of Lawfull money of England And for the saide Tenemente called Framptons place and the said Landes medowes pastures and woodes called Pinscombe with thappurtenances liis iijd of Lawfull money of England paiable at fower termes of the yere that is to saie at the feastes of the Birth of our Lorde god the annunciacon of our Ladie the nativitie of Saint John Baptiste and Sainte Michael tharchangell by even porcons the said paiements of the saide severall Rents to comence and beginne at suche tyme as the intent this titles and estates which anie personne or personnes nowe have for lyfe or yeres in the same premisses or have parcell therof shall cease determine and be void by deathe surrender forfaiture or otherwise, Also I do will devise and bequeth to Beniamyn Bowier my sonne all that Tenement messuage and parcelles of landes meadowe and pasture withe theapppurtenances called Perforks lyinge within the parish of Whitchurch in the said Countie of Dorset and nowe in the tenure of one Thomas Turner and the Revercon of the sonne and also all those two messuages or Tenementes withe thappurtenances and two gardenes and orchards therunto adioyninge and xxviii acres of lande medowe and pasture with thappurtenances sette and beinge in the said parishe of Whitchurche in the saide Countie of Dorset and nowe in the tenure of Nicholas Longe and Agnes his wife To have and to holde the saide messuage or Tente and parcells of lands called Perrocke and thother saide two messuages gardenes Orchardes and xx and viij acres of land medow and pasture and all other the premisses with thappurtenances and the Revercon and Revercons of the same to the saide Beniamin Bowier my sonne for and during his naturall life without impechment of anie maner of Wastes The Remainder therof after his decease to the firste Lawfull begotten sonne of the body of the said Beniamyn Bowyer my sonne And to theires males of the bodie of the said firste sonne Lawfullie begotten and for lack of suche yssue to the seconde lawfull begotten sonne of the bodie of the said Beniamin my sonne and to theires males of the body of the saide seconde sonne lawfullie to be begotten And for lacke of suche yssue to the thirde Lawfull begotten sonne of the Bodie of the said Beniamin my sonne and to theires males of the bodie of the same thirde sonne Lawfullie to be Begotten and for lacke of suche yssue to the fowerthe lawfull befotten sonne of the bodie of the saide Beniamin my sonne and to theires males of the bodie of the saide fowerthe Sonne Lawfullye to be begotten And so from one sonne of the bodie of the saide Beniamin Bowier my sonne dyinge withoute yssue male of his Bodie laufullie begotten successivelie to the nexte lawfull begotten sonne of the bodie of the said Beniamin my sonne and to theires males of everie suche other sonne or yssue male of his bodie lawfullie begotten successivley one afther thother in forme aforesaid as longe as anie sonne or heire male of the bodie of the said Beniamin shalbe and as my intent aforesaide apperethe And for lack of suche yssue male the Remainder to theires males of my bodie lawfullie begotten and to be begotten, And for lack of suche yssue to theiries females of my bodie lawfullie begotten and to be begotten Reservinge yeldinge and paying yerlie to my heires and assignes for the said Tenementes messuages and parcell of lands medowes and pastures called Perrockes withe thappurtenances xls of lawfull money of England And for thother saide two messuages gardenes orchardes and xx viij acres of lands medow and pasture with thappurtenances the sume of iili xvs of lawfull money of England paiable at fower tymes of the yere that is to saie at the feaste of the Birthe of our Lorde god the annunciacon of our Ladie the Nativitie of Sainte John Baptiste and Sainte Michaell tharchangel by even porcons The same paiements of the saide severall Rentes to commence and beginne at suche time as the entere(?) the titles and estates whiche anie personne or personnes nowe have in the same premisses or anie parcell therof for life or yeres shall cease determine or be viod by death surrendure or forfaiture or otherwise And moreover I do will devise and bequeath to Gregorye Bowier my sonne all those thre close of lande and pasture called Courte Orcharde Partable Dorefield and Hugh lumley nowe comonly called great Bluntshaies or Orsleyes Bluntshaies and also two medowes called Alleys meade and pyrcombe lying within the manor of Bluntshaies in the parishe of Whitchurche and in the saide Countie of Dorset and whiche one Willm Orosley dyd some tyme hold and occupie and also the Revercon therof To have and to hold the saide thre closes of lande and pasture called Courte Orcharde partable Dorefield and hugh [...ley] nowe called great Bluntshaies and also the the saide two medowes Alleys meade and pircombe with thappurtenances and the Revercon thereof to the said Gregorie Bowyer my sonne for and duringe the terme of his naturall lyfe withoute impeachmente of any maner of [...][...] the remainder therof after his decease to the firste lawfull begotten sonne of the bodie of the said Gregorye Bowier my sonne and to theires males of the bodye of the same firste sonne lawfullye begotten and for lack of such yssue to the seconde lawfull begotten sonne of the bodie of the same Gregorie my sonne and to theires males of the bodie of the saide seconde sonne Lawfullie to be begotten and for lacke of such yssue to the third lawfull begotten sonne of the bodie of the sayd Gregorye my sonne and to theires males of the body of the said thrid sonne lawfullie to be begotten And for lack of such yssue to the fowerth Lawfull begotten sonne of the bodie of the said Gregorie Bowier my sonne and to theires males of the bodie of the siad fowerth sonne Lawfullie to be begotten And so from on sonne of the bodie of my said sonne Gregorie dying without yssue male of his bodie begotten lawfulye to the next lawfull begotten sonne of the bodie of the said Gregorye my sonne and to theires males of everie suche other sonne of his bodie lawfullie begotten successivelye thone after thother in forme aforesaide as long as anie sonne or yssue male of his bodie shalbe and as my intent aforesaid apereth And for lack of suche yssue male the Remainder to theires males of my bodie begotten and to be begotten And for lack of suche yssue to theires Females of my bodye begotten and to be begotten Reservinge yeldinge and payinge yerelie to my heires and assignes for the premisses next before menconed Ls of Lawfull money of England paiable at fower termes or feastes of the yere that is to saie at the feaste of the birthe of our Lord god the annunciacon of our Ladie the nativitie of Sainte John Baptiste and Sainte Michaell tharchangell by even porcons The first paiment of the said Rents to commence and begin at such tyme as the titles interestes and estates which anie person or persons nowe in the same premisses or anie parcell therof for life or yeres shall cease determine and be void by deathe surrendure forfaiture or otherwise and not before And as to the disposicon of my worldlie and temporall goodes I do give and dispose them in anmer and forme herafter ensuinge First I do give to my sonne Edmonde Bowier all my apparell and all my books And I do give to hym also all my goodes and Cattelles in Lincolnes Inne Excepte my Evidences and leases which I have there pertayning to certaine [...] Lands herafter bequethed Item I give to my saide sonne Edmond my coverlette of [...] work whiche was my grandfather Thomas Bowier two pair of fine sheetes two fine pillowghbeers my [...] Andyronnes my signet and Ringe of golde which I comenlye wear my seconde beste fetherbed and boulster to the saide two paier of blankettes of [...] wolsey one good fustian pillowgh of Feathers my cheste of tymber whiche I occupie for my self at Camerwell wherin my best apparell do lie and one of my beste gilt Tultes(?) Item I do give and bequethe to my Daughter Elizabeth Bowier my Fetherbed and bowlster whiche came from the weste Countrie one Downe pillowgh of fustian two paier of fine sheetes one paier of course sheetes one paier of blanketts a coverlette of [Do…] my pillowberes on of them to be fine one dosen of table napkines vi spoones of silver half a garnish of pewter my great brasse potte two candelstickes of pewter and two kandelstickes of brasse my greate cheste whiche was the vicars of camberwell my white silver goblett Item I do give and bequeth to my sonne John Bowier one Fetherbed whiche I have of my mother in law Elizabeth Draper and the bowlster two paier of sheetes wherof one to be fine two pillowghbeers fine a paier of blankettes a coverlette a pillough of Fethers covered with fustian my two brasse pottes at Shepton my thre fouldinge bowels(?) at Shepton and all my goodes and Cattels in Somerset I give my cheste whiche was my cosenne Jonkrelles(?) deceased Item I do give to my sonne Mathie Bowier my newe Fetherbed one bowlster whiche I bought last of Brian Calverley of Cornehill in London two paier of sheetes one paier of blankettes ii pilloughbeeres one pillough of fethers covered with fustian and one coverlette & further my minde and will is that yf anie of my saide children Edmonde Elizabeth John or Mathie do die before their porcson of goodes before bequethed be delivered unto them, Then I will that the others or other of them surviving shall have all those goodes of that child or children so deceased My mynde and will is that all my children whatsoever surviving shall have the parte and porcon of that child deceased And I will and ordaine that my wife shall have thonelie custodie and kepinge of all suche goodes Lands and profittes withe the occupacon therof as I have before in this my presente will or herafter given to my saide children during such tyme as my wife shall remaine after my decease sole and unmarried Excepte anie of my children need their partes or be maried or shall accomplish thage of xxiii yeres to have his porcon and Legacie to hym delivered immediatlie, And if yt happen my saide wife to marye after my decease Then I will that the porcon of everie of my saide children by this my present will bequeathed shall immediatelie remaine and be in the custodie of my brother Mathie Draper my cosen Roger Forte John Rawlins and of my Cosenne Prieste of Westin(?) or in suche personnes keepinge as to them or the more parte of them shalbe thoughte beste so that in no wise the husband of my saide wife shall not have the same nor by anie maner of meanes and meddle therewith or anie parte therof my mynde and will is that Roger Forte and John Rawlinnes before in this pagin interlined shall share the doinge and execucons of this Article next before menconed withe those as therein named according to the purpose and meaning of the same Item I do will give and devise to my daughter Elizabeth Bowier for and towards her marriage my lande and grounde whiche I hold for terme of yeres called Hethro in the parishe of Lambeth in the Countie of Surr To have the same to my saide daughter for Terme of tenne yeres next ensuinge after my dethe yf she live so longe Provided that if she die before she be maried Then the overplus of the Rents therof over and besides the charges of her findinge shalbe and remaine to my Sonnes John and Mathie but yf she be maried befor thende of the said terme of tenne yeres Then I will she shall have the whole profitts therof and my wood then also. And I will also and devise that the woode there shalbe felled befor thende of tenne yeres nexte cominge after my decease to thuse of my saide Daughter for and towardes her mariage And after thende of tenne yeres or after the death of my saide daughter yf she die before thende of tenne yeres, I will the Residue of my said Terme in the saide Landes called Hetherow to all my other children then lyvinge uppon this Condicon that if anie of them do goe aboutt or practise to sell gyve or alien his estate therein that then the estate of hym that so shall go about or practise to sell give or alien his estate therin mediatlie shall cease and be voide and the Residue of the Terme to remain to thother of my children And my lease of the said Lands is enrolled at Westin(?) in [C…] [B…] Anno quinto Edwardi sexti Rollo [...] Item I do will and devise that Elizabeth my wife shall have thonlye occupacon and profittes of my howse seelings and glasse therin and Lande Letten to my by Henry Draper Deceased wherein I do nowe dwell and thonelye occupacon and profittes of my Lande in Milkewell Hill in the parishes of Camberwell and Lambeth and also thonelie occupacon of all my Landes Tenements and Rentes in Peckham in the parishe of Camerwell whiche landes and Rents in Peckham I do hold for Terme of yeres yet enduringe To have holde and to provide(?) to my said wife for and duringe so many of my yeres and terme therin yet to come as shalbe expired duringe the life of my saide wife And after my decease I will that my Sonne Edmond shall have thonly occupacon of my Lande in Milkewell hill and thonely occupacon of the house wherin I dwell seelinge and glasse therein and the land letten to me withe the same for and duringe so manie of my yeres therin as shall happen to be expired and ended duringe the life of my saide sonne Edmonde And after his decease I will and devise thonlye occupacon and profittes of my said house seelinge glasse and lande therunto belonginge or late annexed withe the saide lands in milkewell hill to my sonne Mathie for and during so manie of my yeres therin as shalbe expired and ended duringe the life of my said Sonne Mathie And after the Death of my said Sonne Mathie I will bequeth and devise that the heires of my bodie begotten by my saide wife shall have and enioye all the saide howse seelinge glasse therin and lande therunto belonginge and the saide lande in Milkewell hill during my whole termes therin which shalbe then for to come and not expired and ended And I will also that after the death of my saide wife that my said Sonne Mathie shall have thoccupason of all my said Tenementes and landes whiche I have in Peckham aforesaid for Terme of certaine yeres yet enduringe for and duringe so manie of my yeres therin as shalbe expired and ended duringe his life And after the decease of my saide Sonne Mathie I will thoccupacon of my saide landes and Tenementes in Peckham aforesaide to my Sonne John Bowier for and duringe of so manie of my yeres therin as shalbe expired and ended during his life And after his decease I will [...] of my terme therin to theires of my bodie begotten on my saide wife Moreover I will that those woodes sealinge and glasse interlined in the pagin next before shalbe my full devise and will to go and remaine in suche sorte as my dwellinge house is appointed to go and remaine And I do farther ordaine will and bequeth and devise that all my bowndes(?) stooles Formes [...] porfalles cupbourdes Trowghes and all other timber worke being [...] implements for houshold and be in my house at the tyme of my decease shalbe and remaine and the occupacon therof to my wife and children and heires of my bodie in suche for[...] in [...] as the occupacon and terme of my saide dwellinge howse is appointed to be held occupied enioyed and to [...] in thys degree and no otherwise nor yet anie parte therof to be removed by my wife or anie other herafter. Item I do give devise and bequethe all my landes Tenementes and hereditamentes in Peckham in the Countie of Surr’ to Edmond Bowier my Sonne and to thieres males of his bodie begotten The Remainder to Mathie my Sonne and to theires males of his bodie begotten The Remainder to theires males of my bodie begotten The Remainder therof to theires males of the body of my brother John Cole lawfullie begotten, Further I do devise willl and ordaine that all the Indentures writinges and devises(?) of my landes and Farmes herine disposed shall remaine and be in the custodie and kepinge of my brother Mathie Draper Roger Forte and of my cosen Preiste of Westin or the Surviver of them or in suche place or by suche personne as by them or the Surviver of them shalbe thoughte good to be safelye kepte to the use of my saide children, Item whereas I have in my custodie and keping [...] thre poundes in money whiche is the money of Willm Browne and Anne Browne my Sisters children [...] to and as the money made of my Sisters cornt(?) In Recompence of whiche iij li I do give and bequethe to the said Anne Browne and to the saide Willm Browne vj li xiij s iiij d to be paid to them at their marriages or their full ages of xxij yeres whichsoever shall firste happen by my Executor withoute delaye for that I meane her sonne shalbe their preferment at any handes, and besides my mynde and will ys that all ther(?) stuffe whiche was their mothers shalbe delivered to them also without [F..nde] or taxes(?) And I will devise and minde that all suche goodes and cattells as hertofore hath bene given to anie of my children and theire use of them ever sithens(?) the sume newe given shalbe trulie delivered to my children accordinge to their [proporcons(?)] at suche time as shalbe thought good by my brother Mathie Draper and my cosenne Richarde Preiste or immediatlie after my decease at the election of my children, And of this my last will and Testament I ordaine and make Elizabeth my wife my sole Executrixe Provided allwaies and I do will and devise that if my saide wife do refuse to prove or do not prove accordinge to the eccliasticall lawes this my Testamente and Laste will in everie pointe (without alteringe anie matter or sentence) within two monethes after my decease or after she hath notice therof or yf my saide wife do refuse to deliver or do not deliver all suche legacies goodes and cattelles before bequethed or menconed or specified at suche tyme and in suche maner as is before menconed and willed, And Do not execute and performe all thinges herin contained or yf my saide wife or any other do or suffer or cause to be done and suffered anie arte or artes wherbye anie of my leases howses Farmes and Termes(?) shalbe [...] [...ed] [...ed] or forfaited or if my said wife do not [h...stlie] and gentlie bringe up or funde everie of my children tyll thei come to thage of xviij yeres yf thei sd live so longe or yf my saide wife shall have(?) demande or [....] by anie meanes anie devises(?) of any my Landes Tent’s or hereditamentes of or from anie of my children That then and from thenceforthe I will and ordaine everie bequeste and gifte by this my presente will gived or bequethed of anye goods whatsoever and the propertie therof and of all other thinges [...] and profittes by this my will to her given or bequethed by [...] meanes wordes or [...] shall cease and be utterlie voide and determined to all respectes, And that all and everie my children whiche shalbe have anie estate occupacon usage or thinge by force of this my will to beginne after her death of my saide wife or her mariage shall have the same then presentlye in suche maner although my saide wife were deade in deade, and that [my(?)] saide wife from thenceforth also shall not be or remaine my Executrixe nor farther have to doe withe thexecucon of this my will nor the administracons of anie my goods or cattells but all her auctoritie herbie given unto her or by the meanes herof shall cease and determine and all contractes and bargaines made by her of anie my goodes or cattell shalbe voide, And I will and ordain that then my Sonne Edmonde Bowier and all my other children shalbe my Executores And I will and Devise farther that yf my saide wife happen to die before the full accomplishmente of this my will, Then I will everie of my said children lyvinge at the decease of my saide wife shalbe myne Executores anie Disposicon or auctoritie herin given to my saide wife in anie wise not withstandinge, Provided allwaies and I will Devise and ordaine that yf my Sonne Edmonde or anie and other of my children or anie other for hym or them do interruptte [...] or disturbe anie one of my children in thoccupacons of that porcon of goodes or lands which is by this my will given unto them or in anie parte therof yf theires of anie one of my children do interrupte anie of my children or their heires of anie parcell of Lande menconed in this my will and by wordes devised that then suche of my children and theyr heires whiche do so interrupte other shall have no benefite by this my will but his estate herin given and their estate shall cease and go and remaine to hym or them that shall so be interupted or accordinge to the tenure of this my will And farther I do will and devise and my mynde is also that my saide wife shall not administer anie of my goodes or cattell after my decease other than for my necessarie Funeralles Tyll suche time as she hath proved and shall prove this my laste will and Testament accordinge to the [...][...] and takenne uppon her to me myne Executrixe Tyll whiche tyme I do ordaine will and dispose and order that my saide wife shall have no propertie of or in anie of my goodes or cattells to dispose by anie meanes, And I do ordaine constitute and make my brother Mathie Draper my Cosen Richard Prieste my cosen Richarde Forte and John Rawlynnes of Shepton Beuchampe to be my overseers of this my will and do desire them in the honr of god to be goode to my wife and children and to see this my will performed and I do give to my brother Draper my grey geldinge my Cosen Roger Forte an olde Rylill(?) of goo[...] and to my cosenne Prieste an olde anngell and to John Rawlynnes an olde angell, In witnes whereof I have subscribed and finished(?) this withe myne owne hande the daie and yere aforesaide
In the name of god amen the iiijth daie of September in twelveth yere of the the (sic) reigne of our soveraine Ladie Qwene Elizabethe [...] I John Bowier of Cammerwell in the Countye of Surr’ Esquier beinge of perfecte memorie to make this codicill of my Testamente in forme followinge Firste allowinge my Testament and all therin conteinynge in my [...] (Except that that is croster(?) Item I will that Elizabeth my wife shall receive the Rentes yssues and profittes of all suche Landes and Tenementes in Whichurche in the Countie of Dorset as I have given to my fower younger Sonnes (that is to saie of Johns parte untill he cometh to thage xx yeres yf she so longe shall live and likewise of Mathies parte untill that age yf she so longe shall live and also of Beniamines parte untill that age yf she so longe shall live and likewise of Gregories parte untill that age yf she so longe shall live, Item I give to my wife the lands in Peckham in the saide parishe of Camerwell whiche I late purchased of Christopher Tubbe and Anne his wife Provided allwaies that yf my Sonne Edmonde do at anie tyme herafter disturbe or go aboute to take [...] anie parte or porcon of anie my Landes Tenementes Rentes Revercons or hereditamentes that I have before assigned devised willed and bequethed to my saide wife and to my saide children as aforesaide, Or yf my saide Sonne Edmonde do not when he shall come to thage of xxi yeres make do and suffer to be done everie suche Actes and assurances as by them shalbe devised and required for the perfitinge and assuringe to them and everie of them of suche estates as I have devised and lymited to them in remainders by my former will that then I will and devise to my saide wife and to my children and to theires of my children all and singler my Landes Tenementes Revercons and hereditamentes whatsoever within the Realme of Englande forever In Witness wherof to these presentes I have putto my hande the daie and yere laste above written Witnesses to the makinge of this Codicill Randell Beckette Curate, Christopher Stuckley Willm Chubbe
[proved 29 November 1570 by Elizabeth the widow]
John Bowyer’s monumental inscription (from Blanch)
Here lyeth the body of John Bowyer, esquier, and Elizabeth his wife, one of the daughters of Robert Draper, esquier. They had issue 8 sons and 3 daughters, and John died the x day of October, 1570. Elizabeth afterward maryed William Forster, esquier, and had issue one sonne and one daughter, and died the xxii of April 1605.
Blanch’s note:
Above the effigies were three escutcheons. In the centre Quarterly, 1st and rth a bend -- as Gwillim has it, ‘a bend verey between two cotises.’ ‘This coat,’ says he, ‘pertaineth to Sir Edmond Bowyer of Camberwell, in the County of Surrey, Knt.’ 2nd, on a fess humotte, 3 leopards’ heads, as given by Gwillim in his ‘Heraldry.’ This coat was confirmed by Sir Wm. Sogar, Garter, May 2nd, 1629, to Henry Brabourne, alias Brabon, of London, descended from John Brabourne, alias Brabon, keeper of the mowed hawks to King Edward IV. They are quartered by Bowyer, in consequence of John, the son of Thomas Bowyer, of Shepton Beauchamp, having married into the family of Brabant, of Bruton. The third quarter is charged with a chevron between three acorns. Over the husband are the Arms of Bowyer, impaling six coats: viz., 1st and 6th on a foss between three annulets, two covered caps, between them a mullet for distinction. This coat was confirmed to Henry Draper, of Colebrook, in the County of Middlesex, gent., Oct. 14th, 1571. 2nd two chevronells, on each three martletts, between three escalop shells (Draper). 3rd Ermin, in chief three lions rampant. The coat armour of Sir Hewitt Aucher, of Bishopsbourne, in the County of Kent, Knight and Bart.; it was borne by Robert Aucher, M.A., priest of Queen’s College, third son of Sir Anthony, to whom a letter was addressed under the hand of Queen Elizabeth, in which she styles him ‘her good freende,’ assuring him that she will ‘so remember his ‘towardness’ in a certain business, ‘that whensoever occasion may serve she will requite it.’ The fourth corset is Ermine, a fess cheky. The fifth, a pale counterchanged, three acorns.” See Account of the Boyer Family, Gent. Mag., No. 93.
John Bowyer’s monumental inscription (from Allport)
HERE LYETH BVRIED THE BODIES OF JOHN BOWYAR, ESQ., AND ELIZABETH HIS WIFE, ONE OF THE DAUGHTERS OF ROBERT DRAPER, ESQ. THEY HAD ISSUE 8 SONS AND 3 DAUGHTERS, AND JOHN DIED THE X. DAY OF OCTOBER, 1570. ELIZABETH AFTER MARRIED WILLIAM FORSTER, ESQ. AND HAD ISSUE BY HIM, ONE SON AND ONE DAUGHTER, AND DYED THE XXVII. OF APRIL, 1605.
Commentary
John’s parentage
The 1634 visitation of Surrey gives John’s parents as “John Bowyer of Shipton Beauchamp” and “Jone d. heir of Wim. Brabant.” The informant was John’s son, Sir Edmond Bowyer. The arms described (quarterly of nine) have Bowyer in the first quartering and Brabant in the second. Nichols (pp. 223 ff.) describes stained bearing the dates 1596 and 1599, formerly at Norton Folgate in Shoreditch. The mansion had been granted to Robert Draper (John’s father-in-law) and the arms were presumably set up by John’s son Sir Edmund Bowyer. The arms dated 1599 show Bowyer impaling, quarterly of four, Brabant (1 & 4) and Boys (2 & 3). The arms dates 1596 are quarterly of nine (1. Bowyer, 2. Brabant, 3. Boys, 4. & 5. Draper, 6. Auger, 7. Urswycke, 8. Fifield alias Lowe, 9. Kirktofte). Ellis (p. 329 gives another description).
From the evidence of the visitation and arms, clearly Sir Edmond Bowyer believed his grandparents (and John’s parents) were John Bowyer and Joan Brabant.
A wrinkle is that in the records of the manor of Camberwell, there is a record of the death in 1550 of Dionisia Bowyer. John Bowyer is described as her son and heir. Dionyse Bowyer, widow, and her son John Bowyer, appear in Star Chamber proceedings from 1549. This, however, appears to be another Bowyer family, ironmasters described by Holt (p. 3.)
References
“Account of the Bowyer Family” in The Gentlemen’s Magazine, 95:2:585-587. [A sketch of the Bowyer family’s house at Camberwell appears on page 585.]
Allport, Douglas. Collections, Illustrative of the Geology, History, Antiquities, and Associations, of Camberwell (1841).
Bannerman, William Bruce (ed.) The Visitations of the County of Surrey made and taken in the years 1530 by Thomas Benolt, 1572 by Robert Cooke and 1623 by Samuel Thompson and Augustin Vincent (London: [Harleian Society], 1899).
Baker, Sir John. The Men of Court 1440 to 1550. (London: Selden Society, 2012).
Blanch, William Harnett. Ye Parish of Camerwell. (London: E.W.Allen, 1877).
Camden, William, and John (ed.) Fetherston. The visitation of the county of Leicester in the year 1619, taken by William Camden. (London: Taylor and Co., 1870).
Davidson, Alan and Ben Coates. “BOWYER, Sir Edmund (1552-1627), of Camberwell, Surr. and Lincoln's Inn, London” in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1604-1629, (2010).
Ellis, Henry. The history and antiquities of the parish of Saint Leonard Shoreditch, and liberty of Norton Folgate, in the suburbs of London. (London: J. Nichols, 1798).
“Extracts from the Parish Registers of Camberwell, Surrey” in Collectanea Topographica et Genealogica, Volume 3 pages 142 - 168.
Holt, Margaret. “Cuckfield Park: An Ironmaster’s House” in Wealden Iron Research Group Newsletter (Spring 1993, number 17).
Howard, Joseph Jackson and George John Armytage (eds.). The Visitation of London in the Year 1568, taken by Robert Cooke, Clarenceux King of Arms, and since augmented both with descents and arms. (London: [Harleian Society], 1869.
"Land rental papers, household accounts and miscellaneous memoranda, 1275-1853", digital images on FamilySearch.org [DGS 8090657] accessed 18 March 2018.
Manning, Owen, and William Bray. The history and antiquities of the county of Surrey: compiled from the best and most authentic historians, valuable records, and manuscripts in the public offices and libraries, and in private hands; with a facsimile copy of Domesday, engraved on thirteen plates. (London: J. Nichols, 1804-1814).
Mundy, Percy D. Abstracts of Star Chamber Proceedings - Henry VII to Philip and Mary (Sussex Record Society, 1913).
Nichols, John Gough. “Bowyer of Camberwell” in Surrey Archaeological Collections, Volume 3, pages 220 - 226,(London: Lovell Reeve & Co., 1865).
Will of Benjamin Bowyer. Proved 1618 in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury.
Will of Gregory Bowyer. Proved 1608 in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury.
Will of John Bowyer of Camberwell, Surrey, in Church of England. Province of Canterbury. Prerogative Court. Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Probate Records, 1384-1858, PROB 11/52/505.