The Ancient History of the Distinguished Surname - Bowman
Ancient Origins
The name Bowman is another word for the occupational "archer." Or in other words, "a fighting man armed with a bow; one who made bows." (Smith) It is a fairly "common name on the English border under the Percys, and derived from their weapon-the long bow." (PB) At one time, "Bowman was the name of a border clan of Northumberland." (Guppy)
Ancient History
The bleak border moors and craggy hills of the Scottish/English border set the scene for the birth of this notable surname Bowman. It is one of the oldest surnames with a history which is closely woven into the rich and beautiful tapestry of the border chronicles. Professional researchers examined some of the most ancient manuscripts such as the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, the Inquisitio, the Ragman Rolls, the Domesday Book, baptismals, parish records and cartularies, and tax records, and researchers found the first record of the name Bowman in Westmorland where one of the earliest records of the family was Adam Bogheman was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1223. A few years later in Northumberland, Thomas Bouman was found in the Assize Rolls for 1279. In Cheshire, Nicholas the Bowemon, the Bouman was recorded in the Assize Rolls for 1286-1287. Just over the northern border of Northumberland in Scotland, Gregory Bovman rendered to Exchequer the accounts of the Sheriff of Aberdeen in 1328 and appears as Gregory dictus Bowman in an inquisition in Aberdeen in 1333. "Gyb Bowman in Aberdeen was charged with being a forestaller in 1402. Robert Bowman, a follower of the earl of Cassilis, was respited for murder in 1526. The surname is common in the West Coast, and is found in Glasgow so early as 1550 (Protocols, I), and in Stirling in 1592."
The ruins of tall craggy towers and castles are still scattered along the Scottish/English border, home to this notable surname Bowman. Their ancient history is closely woven into the rich fabric of the border chronicles. Through diligent research amongst some of the most ancient manuscripts such as the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, the Inquisitio, the Ragman Rolls, the Domesday Book, baptismals, parish records, tax records and cartularies, researchers found the first record of the name Bowman, in Westmorland where one of the earliest records of the family was Adam Bogheman was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1223. A few years later in Northumberland, Thomas Bouman was found in the Assize Rolls for 1279. In Cheshire, Nicholas the Bowemon, the Bouman was recorded in the Assize Rolls for 1286-1287. (Reaney)
Just over the northern border of Northumberland in Scotland, Gregory Bovman rendered to Exchequer the accounts of the Sheriff of Aberdeen in 1328 and appears as Gregory dictus Bowman in an inquisition in Aberdeen in 1333. "Gyb Bowman in Aberdeen was charged with being a forestaller in 1402. Robert Bowman, a follower of the earl of Cassilis, was respited for murder in 1526. The surname is common in the West Coast, and is found in Glasgow so early as 1550 (Protocols, I), and in Stirling in 1592." (Black)
The name, Bowman, occurred in many references, and from time to time, it was spelt Bowman, Boeman, Boyman and Boman, as well as other ways. Scribes and church officials spelt the name as it sounded, and frequently the spelling changed even during the person's own lifetime.
The ancestors of the family name Bowman are believed to be descended from the Boernicians, an ancient founding race of the English/Scottish border dating from about the year 400 A.D. From these war-like clans of the border the surname Bowman was found in Westmorland and Northumberland where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity where they held manors and estates in both counties. By the end of the century the family had branched north into Scotland as many of the border clans had done.
"In 1723 several persons of this name residing in Glenmuick and Glenesk, approached the earl of Strathmore, setting forth that their forbears were truly and really of the surname of Lyon, who had come out of the shire of Angus on account of some troubles, and assumed the name of Bowman, but being by blood Lyons they now desired to resume their true surname." (Black)
By 1500 they had moved south to London and settled in Surrey and other southern English counties. Their family seats were at Holmbury St. Mary, and Killingworth, both of these branches were represented by Baronets.
Notable amongst the family name during their early history was Sir Robert Bowman of Northumberland; Seymour Bowman (c. 1621-1704), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Old Sarum in 1660; and John Bowman (1733-1784), Virginia and Kentucky soldier and official.
Henry Bowman published at Oxford in 1677 a thin folio volume bearing the title of 'Songs for one, two, and three voyces to the Thorow-Bass. With some Short Simphonies. Collected out of some of the Select Poems of the incomparable Mr. Cowley, and others, and composed by Henry Bowman, Philo-Musicus.' A second edition appeared at Oxford in 1679. (Grove)
Clan feuds became so intense that in 1246 A.D., six Chiefs from the Scottish side and six from the English side met at Carlisle and created a set of laws acceptable to the border territory and its people. These were unlike any laws prevailing in England or Scotland or, for that matter, anywhere else in the world. For refusal of assistance when called, a person could be hanged on the instant, without a trial. While clans were on this "hot trod" to recover stolen property, (from which we get the modern expression "hot to trot"), they were protected from almost all eventualities.
When the Crowns of England and Scotland were united under James VI of Scotland in 1603 the Border Clans were dispersed to England, northern Scotland and to Ireland. Some were banished directly to the Colonies.
In Ireland, they were granted lands previously held by the Catholic Irish. They signed an "Undertaking" to remain Protestant and faithful to the Crown. In 1890, a birth census of English families in Ireland was taken. From that census, it was estimated that there were over 493 people bearing the surname Bowman throughout Ireland; about 72 percent were living in the province of Ulster where the families were found in Antrim and Down. (Hanna)
Many of the earliest settlers to Australia were convicts, transported from Britain to live and work in the penal colonies, others were offered incentives and financial assistance. Notable contemporaries bearing this name include: Patricia Bowman (1908-1999) American ballerina, ballroom dancer, musical theatre actress, television personality, and dance teacher, the first prima ballerina of the Radio City Music Hall, founding member of the American Ballet Theatre.
Spelling Variations
The early and middle development of the name showed many different spellings in the archives. The name Bowman, occurred in many references, and from time to time, the surname was spelled Bowman, Boeman, Boyman and Boman, and these changes in spelling frequently occurred within the family name. Scribes and church officials spelt the name as it sounded, and these spellings were not even consistent during the lifetime of the same person.
Early History
Ancestors of the family name Bowman are believed to be descended originally from the Boernicians. This ancient founding race of the north were a mixture of Scottish Picts and Angles, a race dating from about the year 400 A.D. Their territories ranged from Edinburgh in the north, southward to the North Riding of Yorkshire in England. By 1000 A.D. this race had formed into discernible Clans and families, erhaps some of the first evidence of the family structure in Britain. From this area come some of the most impressive names in history, surnames with strange nicknames such as the Sturdy Armstrongs, the Gallant Grahams, the Saucy Scotts, the Angry Kerrs, the Bells, the Nixons, the Famous Dicksons, the Bold Rutherfords, the Pudding Somervilles, and most of the names ending in "son." Amongst this elite circle of clans and families the earliest record of the surname Bowman was found in Westmorland and Northumberland where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity where they held manors and estates in both counties. By the end of the century the family had branched north into Scotland as many of the border clans had done. "In 1723 several persons of this name residing in Glenmuick and Glenesk, approached the earl of Strathmore, setting forth that their forbears were truly and really of the surname of Lyon, who had come out of the shire of Angus on account of some troubles, and assumed the name of Bowman, but being by blood Lyons they now desired to resume their true surname." By 1500 they had moved south to London and settled in Surrey and other southern English counties. Their family seats were at Holmbury St. Mary, and Killingworth, both of these branches were represented by Baronets.
Early Notables
Notable amongst the family members during their early history was Sir Robert Bowman of Northumberland; Seymour Bowman (c. 1621-1704), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Old Sarum in 1660; and John Bowman (1733-1784), Virginia and Kentucky soldier and official. Henry Bowman published at Oxford in 1677 a thin folio volume bearing the title of 'Songs for one, two, and three voyces to the Thorow-Bass. With some Short Simphonies. Collected out of some of the Select Poems of the incomparable Mr. Cowley, and others, and composed by Henry Bowman, Philo-Musicus.' A second edition appeared at Oxford in 1679.
Life in Ireland
The border area of Scotland and England reached from Carlisle in the west to Berwick in the east. The Clans or families to the north of the border became Scottish after about the year 1000, and to the south they became English. Nevertheless, despite the border, many would still be united clans, powers unto themselves, owing little allegiance to either Scotland or England, having territories and interests on both sides of the border. Clan warfare became so intense that in 1246 A.D., six Chiefs from the Scottish side and six from the English side met at Carlisle and produced a set of laws for all the border territory. These were unlike any laws prevailing in England or Scotland or, for that matter, anywhere else in the world. For example, it was a far greater offence to refuse to help a neighbour recover his property, wife, sheep, cattle or horses than it was to steal them in the first place. For refusal of assistance a person could be hanged on the instant, without a trial. While clans were on this "hot trod," from which we get the modern expression "hot to trot," they were protected from almost all eventualities. In 1603, the crowns of Scotland and England were united under James VI of Scotland who found it expedient to disperse the "unruly border clans." In 1587, an Act of Scottish Parliament had condemned certain border families for their lawlessness. The Border Clans, largely the Strathclyde Britons on the western border, and the Boernicians on the Eastern Border Marches, were dispersed to England, northern Scotland and to Ireland. Some were banished directly to the Colonies. In Ireland, they were granted lands previously held by the Catholic Irish. They signed an "Undertaking" to remain Protestant and faithful to the Crown. In 1890, a birth census of English families in Ireland was taken. From that census, it was estimated that there were over 493 people bearing the surname Bowman throughout Ireland; about 72 percent were living in the province of Ulster where the families were found in Antrim and Down.
The Great Migration
Life in Ireland was intolerant to many of these uprooted families and they sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70 percent of their original passenger list, many dying on the way, were buried at sea.
Tartans
There are at least 7 tartans affiliated with the name Bowman, these are Bowman Scottish, Farquharson, Farquharson Dress, Farquharson 1842 Variant, Chattan, Chattan Chief and Chattan #3.
Coat of Arms
The most ancient grant of a Coat of Arms was researched as:
A gold shield with a red chevron between three bows.
Motto, The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto
The motto for the Bowman coat of arms displayed here is:
Numine et arcu
This translates as:
“The bow by God's providence”.
or an alternative motto used was:
quondam his vicimus armis
This translates as:
“We conquered with these arms”.
The Scottish Bowman Tartan
Farquharson 1842 Variant Tartan
Farquharson Tartan
Farquharson Dress Tartan
Symbolism
Shield
Shields (or Escutcheons) at first were painted simply with one or more bands of color or 'ordinaries'. Later, the ordinaries were used in conjunction with other figures or symbols.
Achievement of Arms
An Achievement of Arms such as the Bowman arms depicted on the left typically consists of these parts: the Escrolls, displaying the family motto and name, the family crest (if any) seen above the helmet, the actual Coat of arms (also known as 'arms,' or 'the shield'), the Helmet depicted below the crest, the Torse on top of the helmet, and the Mantle draped from the helmet. Each of these elements will be described below. Supporters were a later addition to the Achievement; they are somewhat rare, and are usually personal to the grantee.
Crest
The Crest was worn on top of the helmet, and was usually made of wood, metal, or boiled leather. It provided the double advantage of easy identification and the addition of height to the wearer. The Crest for the surname Bowman is described as follows:
A Quiver of Arrows suspended from the trunk of a tree.
Gold Shield
"Or" (from the French word for gold) is the tincture of Gold and was considered the noblest color. One of only two metals used in heraldry, it exceeds all others in value, purity and finesse. It represents the light of the sun, and was once borne only by princes. Gold is said to gladden the heart and destroy all works of magic. It is also associated with excellence and achievement, and the bearer surpasses all others in valor. It is represented on coats of arms by the color yellow, and in engravings by an indefinite number of small points. Symbolic Virtues: Or, the heraldic name for gold, symbolizes the virtues of faith, justice and mercy. Gold is the metal for excellence, as it is the purest and most unalloyed. It offers joy, success, prosperity and longevity.
Precious Stone: Carbuncle; Topaz.
Planet: Sun.
Obligations: To defend good and honor, and to fight to the death for one's country, surpasses all others in valor.
Chevron
The Chevron occurs frequently in British and French heraldry, while it is comparatively rare in German heraldry. Traditionally the Chevron represents the roof of a house, derived from the French word “chevron” meaning rafter. It signifies protection. there is much disagreement about whether this Ordinary or the “bend” was the first design to appear on coats of arms. The Chevron was granted to those who had participated in some notable enterprise, had built churches or fortresses, or had accomplished some work requiring faithful service. Originally heralds drew the Chevron almost reaching the top of the shield, nearly covering sheld surface. More recently, the Chevron is drawn lower and with a less acute inner angle to allow more devices to be represented more attractively, and the artist may draw the chevron at the height and angle that will best suit the accompanying charges. the chevronel, is the diminutive of the chevron and is much narrower. Chevronels may be stacked on top of each other or side-by-side at the same height, which is termed interlaced, or braced. A field composed entirely of an even number of chevrons is called “chevronny.”
Three
“Three” devices, beasts or ordinaries of the same have a special significance in heraldry. First of all, there is the obvious reference to the Trinity in the design that would signify observance of the Christian doctrine. Secondly, with many Arms it brings balance that is steeped in tradition. To better understand this latter scenario, we must look at the evolution of shield in personal armory. Kite shields that were the most popular from the 10th-14th centrury evolved into Heater shields that had flat tops c. 1250. This was the time of heraldry’s beginnings and when “three” objects were used for balance in each corner of the shield. Later, with the advent of the “chief,” “chevron” and “bend” three devices brought balance to these ordinaries too.
Trunk
The tree is a symbol of antiquity and strength. Many types of trees are blazoned on Shields and crests, but they are generally not depicted accurately. The type of tree can relate to the characteristics of an early bearer of the family name, or perhaps to the land held by that family.The Oak tree was sacred to the Germans; the poplar is a symbol of great strength; the cypress tree is a symbol of death, because once cut, it never springs up again from its roots; evergreens, like the pine and the yew, symbolize of death and the hope of eternal life; the ash tree was venerated by the Scandinavians. Trees allude to home or property, and they are also generally considered a symbol of life and strength. Sometimes a hurst of trees, or a wood is found on a shield. Also, a tree stump or tree trunk may be used as a symbol of re-growth and rebirth, especially when it is borne with brances spouting new leaves.
Red
Gules, derived from an Old French word goules or gueules meaning "throats" translates into modern English as "red" and is the military color for excellence and fortitude. It is symbolic of nobility, boldness and ferocity, and can also represent fire and summer. Some ancient laws restricted its use to princes and their families. Red corresponds to the metal copper and is denoted in engravings by numerous perpendicular lines.
Mantle of Bowman
The mantle was spread over and draped from the helmet and served as a protection, 'to repel the extremities of wet, cold, and heat, and to preserve the armour from rust.' The numerous cuts and slits suggest that it had been torn and hacked on the field of battle. The style or design of the mantling is up to the individual heraldic artist, and it is usually depicted in the main color and metal from the shield. The helmet (or Helm) varied in shape in different ages and countries, often depicting rank. The Esquire's Helm, as depicted here, is generally shown silver, with a closed visor and facing to the dexter (its right). On top of the helmet is a Torse or wreath which was formed by two pieces of silk twisted together. Its purpose was to hold the crest and mantle on the Helm.
