BOWES, Thomas, of Arundel, Suss.

Although very little trace of Bowes has been found in the records, There is no firm evidence to identify him with the Thomas Bowes who was purser of a caravel requisitioned for royal service from William Fiennes, Lord Saye and Sele, which in 1454 allegedly despoiled two vessels containing cargoes belonging to merchants of Dordrecht: C1/17/102. Nor is it likely that he was the same man as he who was clerk of the King’s ordnance by June 1468, when on instructions from John Wood†, the master of the ordnance, he transferred weapons from the Tower to Harlech in south Wales. Still clerk in May 1474, he became jt. keeper of the Mint (also with John Wood) from 6 May 1476 until his death on 14 Sept. 1479: CPR, 1467-77, pp. 462, 492, 547, 586; E101/72/2/1031; 294/22, 26, 27; E403/840, m. 4. Although that Thomas was active in Suss. in 1474 procuring munitions in preparation for the invasion of France, there is nothing in his will of 6 Aug. 1479 (which reveals much about his official and private life, including his birthplace at Peasholm in Yorks.), to connect him with Arundel or its lord: PCC 12 Logge (PROB11/7, ff. 89-90v). it looks as if he was in the service of William, earl of Arundel, the lord of the borough he represented in Parliament. This much may be surmised from his nomination in May 1469 as an attorney to deliver seisin to Thomas Esshing* of certain lands in Arundel and its vicinity by feoffees who held them to the use of the earl. E210/7672. He is recorded among those in default at a court held in Arundel in October 1475. Arundel Castle mss, ct. roll honour of Arundel, M25.