| Notes |
- IM-B in Bowkers of Tharfield, page 2) has it that his will was proved on 5th December 1749 : Administrations of the goods and chattels of Benjamin Bowker, late of Manchester in the County of Lancashir
e, was granted to Zenobia Ann Bowker, widow of the relict, she having been first sworn, etc. Perogative Court of Canterbury, Admon. Act Book Decr 1749 Lancs, Seat 1
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From : https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol4/pp174-187#anchorn89
"The Jacobites in 1745 hoped that Manchester would give them substantial assistance. (fn. 89) Mr. Clayton, one of the chaplains of the collegiate church, was an ardent partisan, and the other clergy were sympathizers. (fn. 90) One of the nonjuring bishops, Dr. Deacon, lived in the town, ministering to a small congregation. On 28 November a daring sergeant of the Pretender's, having hurried forward, appeared in the town and began to invite recruits. (fn. 91) His reception was not cordial, but sufficient supporters were obtained to secure his safety and freedom until the vanguard of the army arrived in the evening. The whole force reached Manchester the following day, the prince himself riding in during the afternoon, when his father was proclaimed king as James III. Mr. Dickinson's house in Market Street was chosen as head quarters and was afterwards known as 'The Palace.' At night many of the people illuminated their houses, bonfires were made, and the bells were rung. Some three hundred recruits had joined the invaders, and were called 'The Manchester Regiment.' Money due to the government was seized. (fn. 92) The army marched south on Monday 1 December, and returned to Manchester in its retreat on the 9th. Out of a contribution of £5,000 then demanded, £2,500 was collected and accepted, and the prince and his forces left the town next day. The Manchester Regiment still accompanied him, and was entrusted with the defence of Carlisle, which surrendered at the end of the month. The officers were tried for high treason in July 1746, and some were executed at Kennington. (fn. 93) The heads of two—Thomas Theodorus Deacon and Thomas Siddall—were sent down to Manchester, and fixed on the Exchange. (fn. 94) The men of the regiment were tried at Carlisle in August and September, and many of them executed. The successful party had their celebrations, the news of the capture of Carlisle and the victory of Culloden being welcomed by public illuminations and the distribution of liquor. (fn. 95) The ill-feeling between the two parties in the town — the Jacobites and the Whigs—continued for many years afterwards."
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Reference: Historical Papers relating to the Jacobite Period 1699-1750, edited by Colonel James Allardyce, LL.D Volume Second printed in Aberdeen by Milne and Hutchison, 1896. PDF book in Paul TTs possesion.
It appears from the Depositions at the Jacobite Trials page 379 that Benjamin Bowker was a Deputy Constable in Manchester.
In the trial of George Fletcher, page 379: BENJ. BOWKER. The night the vanguard of the rebels came to Manchester I saw the defendant amongst them, and several other Manchester men in a room at the Bull Head Inn with a white cockade in his hat.
In the trial of William Brittough alias Britter, page 435: BENJAMIN BOWKER. When the vanguard of the rebels came to Manchester, I saw defendant along with them at the " Bull Head Inn," with a white cockade in his hat, and I believe he had then taken on with them.
In the trial of Thomas Chaddoch/Chadwick, page 441: Tuos. BRADBURY ; BENJAMIN BOWKER. Saw the defendant among several of the rebels, who were armed with sword and pistols, in the " Bull Head Inn " in Manchester the day the rebels came there, and was reputed then to have joined them.
In the trial of Thomas Deacon page 447: BENJAMIN BOWKER. The night the vanguard of the rebels came to Manchester the witness saw the defendant among the crowd at the " Bull Head Inn," and desired him to go home, lest he should be hurt. Prisoner said he would, but the same evening witness saw him again at the same place with the rebels, with a white cockade in his hat, and believes he had then joined them.
#Thomas Deacon was executed for treason.
Reference : A Complete Collection of State Trials 1743 to 1753 PDF book in the possession of Paul TT:
512. The Trial of David Morgan, of Monmouth, but late of Derby, esq. for High-Treason, at St. Margaret’s-hill, Southwark, July 18: 20 George II. A. D. 1746. page 200/712
"King's Counsel. And what part did the prisoner at the bar act; and how did he behaveduring the time you were with the rebel army?
Barry. I saw him ride with the rebel army, from Preston to Manchester, and he was very active in encouraging the rebel officers and soldiers. After that 1 saw the prisoner at Ashhorn, and he said there that he would not leave
the army as long as he lived.—I cannot say that he bore any commission as an oficer : if he did, it is more than I know.
Benjamin Bowker called and sworn.
King’s Counsel. Mr. Bowker, acquaint my lord and the gentlemen of the jury, what you know of Mr. Morgan the prisoner.
Bowker. Upon the 29th of last November, 1 had this paper delivered to me (holding a paper in his hand, and looking at it). It is a paper ordering me to search for arms.
King’s Counsel. What are you, Sir?
Bowker. I am a deputy-constable of Manchester.
King’s Counsel. Who gave on that paper?
Bowker. The prisoner at the bar and Mr. Wallis, who was one of the head-constables.
King’: Counsel. Then the prisoner was with Mr. Wallis, when you had that paper delivered to you ?—B0wker. Yes, he was. ,
King’s Counsel. What were the contents of the paper?
Bowker. It was a warrant signed by Murray the Pretender’s secretary, to search for all the arms I could find ; and if any body refused to deliver up and surrender their arms, they were to suffer military execution against their goods and effects.
[Then this Paper was delivered by Mr. Bowker to the Clerk ol' the Arraigns, and was read in court; but it is so very treasonable, that it is improper to insert it. I‘he preamble called the Pretender’s son Regent of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and required all whom it may concern, to pay due obedience to that
0rtler.]
King’s Counsel. What, did you get any
arms ofthe town’s people of Manchester?
Bowker. I did, and carried them to the prisoner’s lodgings, and left them there, though did not see him, but I asked for esquire Morgan ; and one of the servants belonging to the house told me he would be there presently.
King’s Counsel. Do you know any thing farther ?
Bozvker. I do not: I have spoken all that I can recollect.
King’: Counsel. Call Samuel Maddox next, and swear him."
In summary on page 207:
Then there is Mr. Bowker, the deputy constable of Manchester, and he comes and swears, That the prisoner at the bar, with one Wallis (who is one of the head constables of Manchester, and Bowker's principal) came to him with a paper signed by the Pretender's secretary, ordering him to search for all arms, and carry them to the lodgings of David Morgan, esq. which he did accordingly, for in case of refusal, he, and all those who refused to deliver up their arms, were threatened with military execution. This witness is positive to the person of the prisoner; and I think there can be no plainer proof of high-treason than what has been sworn.
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David Morgan was found guilty of treason and executed.
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1707 - 1749 (42 years)
