A Memorial to the

John Bower Family

of

Gloucester, England ~ 1613

John Bower died on 28th January 1615 and his wife, Ann, died 5th December 1613. Their memorial in Gloucester Cathedral [pictured above] stands some 25 feet tall and is around 12 feet wide. I have been told that both are interred there. It is situated in the North transept, against the wall, and consists of a painting on wood

paneling set in a recess with pillars either side.

Above the painting it states, "John Bower had nyne sons and seaven daughters by his wife Ann Bower." The children's names are listed in shields above the inscription. They are: Richard, Gvy, Gyles, Thomas, Thomas, Kingston, Peter, John, John, Ann, Margrate, Elizab, Dorath, Nanfan, Katter, and Joane. Where a name appears twice it would seem that a child had died and the name was given to another child.

In the picture you can see a man and woman with an open book between them and to the rear the nine sons and daughters kneeling. The first son appears to be in clerical dress and others appear to be partially in armour. The daughters seem to be dressed like their mother.

John Bower was probably born around 1540-50 and appears to have come from a large family from Newent in Gloucestershire. He followed the profession of apothecary and in December, 1572 he was elected (chururgion) surgeon to St. Bartholomews hospital. In those days a surgeon lived at the hospital and it was here he died in 1615.

In 1593 John Bower sold some land in Newent. The conveyance, dated 23rd April 1593 and still survives, states -- "between John Bower apothecary of Gloucester and Thomas Good of Clyffords Inn

London. Conveyance of land in Old Church Street Newent between lands of Jacob Collwall on the East, and Arthur Dunn on the West, and extending to Burn's field to the North, and formerly held by Phillip Bower. Consideration 8 pounds.

In a list compiled in the beginning of the 1600's of men in armour for Gloucestershire there are 27 Bower's listed. In the village of Newent Burrowe, two are possibly John Bower's sons:

I hope one day to find the missing links to prove that John Bower was indeed my ancestor. If I never find the link I will have had a great time trying.