Researching William Bowes

Sir William Bowes Kt. of Streatlam Castle was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. He was one of the two Members of Parliament for County Durham during the second, third and fourth Parliaments of Charles II, and then again in the second Parliament of William III and first and second Parliaments of Queen Anne. His son George Bowes, later represented the County. Sir William married Elizabeth Blakiston of Gibside on 17 August 1691. She was the daughter of Sir Francis Blakiston and Ann Bowes who was the great granddaughter of Sir George Bowes of Bradley Hall. From this marriage came much of the wealth of the Bowes (later Bowes-Lyon) family as the Gibside estates lay over rich coal seams. The children of Sir William and Lady Bowes were William Blakiston, Thomas (d. 1722), George, Anne, Elizabeth, Jane and Margaret. George's daughter (Sir William's granddaughter) was Mary Eleanor Bowes (1745–1800) – in her day considered to be the "wealthiest woman in Europe".

Bowes was the founder of the political importance of his family. He was the son of Sir Robert Bowes, and of Maude, lady of Dalden. He married Jane, daughter of Ralph, Lord Greystoke. His wife died in the first year of her marriage, whereon 'he toke much thoght and passed into France' about the year 1415. He showed much gallantry in the French war, and so commended himself to John, Duke of Bedford, whom he served as chamberlain. He fought at the battle of Verneuil, where he was knighted. While in France he was impressed with the architecture of the country, and sent home plans for rebuilding his manor house at Streatlam, near Barnard Castle. He returned from France after seventeen years' service and superintended his buildings at Streatlam, which unfortunately have been entirely destroyed. After his return he took part in the government of the borders, as warden of the middle marches and governor of Berwick.

He died at a good old age, and is known in the family records as 'Old Sir William.'