Bowes Family Genealogy & History

Danny Bowes, born Daniel John Bowes on April 14, 1960, in West Ham, Essex, England, is a prominent British hard rock singer. He is best known as the lead singer of the rock band Thunder, having previously performed with Nuthin' Fancy and the 1980s group Terraplane alongside guitarist Luke Morley. Bowes and Morley also collaborated as a duet under the name 'Bowes & Morley'. In 2012, he toured with Thunder bandmate Ben Matthews in a series titled "An Evening With Danny & Ben From Thunder". Bowes has contributed vocals to Dean Howard's album and currently hosts a show on Planet Rock. Despite a serious head injury in 2022, Bowes plans a spoken word tour in June 2025.

Hollie-Jay Bowes, born Billie-Jean Bowes on January 17, 1989, is a renowned English actress recognized for her dynamic roles in television. She gained initial fame as Dawn O'Malley in the BBC drama "Grange Hill" and later captivated audiences as Michaela McQueen in the Channel 4 soap opera "Hollyoaks." Her career further expanded with her role as Debs Rafferty in the BBC drama "Waterloo Road" starting in 2023. Additionally, Bowes showcased her versatility by appearing in the third series of "No Offence" and narrating the ITN show "Supersize Me." Her artistic pursuits extend to music with the formation of her band, Jeanie and The Radiator, in 2010.

Robert William Bowes was a British actor and teacher best known for his role as Mr. Gryce in Ken Loach's 1969 film "Kes," an adaptation of Barry Hines' novel "A Kestrel for a Knave." Bowes' portrayal of the severe and abusive headmaster was described as "comically vicious," echoing the cruel character of Wackford Squeers from "Nicholas Nickleby." His participation in "Kes" exemplified Loach's preference for casting ordinary individuals, as Bowes was a real-life headmaster rather than a professional actor.

Bob Bowes was born in Durham as the eldest of seven children to William and Mary Bowes. The family later moved to Rossington, Doncaster, due to William's work at Rossington Colliery. Mary contributed musically at the Rossington Hypodrome. Bowes married Joyce and had a son, Andrew, who also pursued a teaching career.

Sir Martin Bowes (1496/97 – 1566) was a distinguished civic dignitary in Tudor London, serving under Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. His career highlights include roles such as Sheriff and Lord Mayor of London, and a long-term representative of the City in Parliament. A key figure at the Royal Mint, Bowes played a significant role in the debasement of English currency. He was also deeply involved with the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and made substantial contributions to London Hospitals and the Langbourne ward, marking him as a significant, albeit controversial, London city father.

Martin Bowes hailed from a well-established family in York's civic scene. His grandfather, William Bowes, served as Lord Mayor of York and MP in the early 1400s. Born in the parish of St Cuthbert's, Martin was raised in York until age 14, when he was apprenticed to Robert Amadas, a Goldsmith and Deputy Master of the Mint in London. His father, Thomas Bowes, likely a goldsmith, was granted the Freedom of the City of York in 1498.