Bowles

The chronicles of England, though sometimes shrouded by the mist of time, reveal the early records of the name Bowles as a Norman surname which ranks as one of the oldest. The history of the name is interwoven into the colourful fabric as an intrinsic part of the history of Britain.

Careful research by professional analysts using such ancient manuscripts as the Domesday Book (compiled in 1086 by William the Conqueror) the Ragman Rolls, the Wace poem, the Honour Roll of the Battel Abbey, The Curia Regis, Pipe Rolls, the Falaise Roll, tax records, baptismals, family genealogies, and local parish and church records, shows the first record of the name Bowles was found in Lincolnshire where they were seated from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D. They were originally from Bouelles, near Neufchatel in Normandy.

Many alternate spellings of the name were found. They were typically linked to a common root, usually on of the Norman nobles at the Battle of Hastings. The name, Bowles, occurred in many references, and from time to time the surname included the spellings of Bowles, Bolles, Boles, Bowls, Boals, and many more. Scribes recorded and spelled the name as it sounded. It was not unlikely that a person would be born with one spelling, married with another, and buried with a headstone which showed another. All three spellings related to the same person. Sometimes prefernces for differnet spellings variations either came from a divison of the family, or, had religious reasons, or sometimes patriotic reasons.

The family name Bowles is believed to be descended originally from the Norman race. They were commonly believed to be of French origin but were, more accurately, of Viking origin. The Vinkings landed in the Orkneys and Norhtern Scotland about the year 870 A.D., under their Chief, Stirgud the Stout. Later, under their Jarl, Thorfinn Rollo, they invaded France about 911 A.D. The French King, Charles the Simple, after Rollo laid siege to Paris, finally conceded defeat and granted northern France to Rollo. Rollo became the first Duke of Normandy, the territory of the North Men. Duke William who invaded and defeated England in 1066, was descended from the first Duke Rollo of Normandy.

Duke William took a census of most of England in 1086, and recorded it in the Domesday Book. A family name capable of being traced back to this document, or to Hastings, was a signal honour for most families during the middle ages, and even to this day.

The surname Bowles emerged as a notable English family name in the county of Lincolnshire where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity seated at Bolles with manor and estates in that shire. They were show in the Domesday Book as holding several locations in Lincolnshire, including Bolle Hall which later became Bolles Hall, and branched to the parishes of Haugh, and Thrope Hall. Sir John distinguished himself at Cadiz, but his son John was killed at Edgehill supporting King Charles, and there is a brass plaque in Winchester Cathedral depicting the life of Sir John and his brother, two gallant knights. They later branched to Herfordshire and Hertfordshire (Myddlleton House). Of note amongs the family at this time was Sir John Bowles of Edgehill fame.

The surname Bowles contributed much to local politics and in the affairs of England or Scotland. During the 12th century many of these Norman families moved north to Scotland, following Earl David of Huntingdon who would become King of Scotland. Later, in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Enland and Scotland were ravaged by religious and political conflict. The Monarchy, the Church and Parliament fought for supremacy. The unrest caused many to think of distant lands.

Settler in Ireland became known as the "Adventurers for land in Ireland". They "undertook" to keep the Protestant faith, and were granted lands previously owned by the Irish. In Ireland they settled in counties Antrim and Down but the name should not be confused with the native Irish name Boyle.

The news of attractions of the New World spread like wildfire. Many sailed abord the fleet of sailing ships known as the "White Sails".

In North America, migrants which could be considered kinsmen of the family name Bowles, or variable spellings of that same family name included Ann Bowles who settled in Virginia in 1656; Edward Bowles Settled in Virginia in 1654; John Bowles settled in New England in 1654; John settled in New England in 1630; Thomas settled in Virginia in 1630. The distinguished family of Bowles was in Maryland. Peter Bole settled in New England in 1699; Bennet Boles settled in Newcastle in 1805; Jane Boles settled in Boston Mass in 1849. From the port of arrival many settlers joined the wagon trains westward. During the War of Independence some delared their loyalty to the Crown and moved northward into Canada and became known as the United Empire Loyalists. Meanwhile, the family name was prominent in the social scene. There were many notables of this name, Bowles, Chester Bowles, American Diplomat; William Bowles, Bishop of Derby; Ann Parker Bowles, Girl Guide Chief; Sir Jeremy Boles; Sir Gerald Boles; Baron Northwick; Jane Sydney Auer Bowles, American novelist and playwright.