John Bowyer

Honorable Lord John Bowyer

• Pronunciation guide:
• Alternate/former/use names:
• Armorial - http://armorial.calontir.org/Pages/JohnBowy.htm
• Order of Precedence - https://op.calontir.org/persona.php?p=4449

Persona:

John Bowyer of Framlingham, Suffok, England, would have been born between 1328 and 1332. Born as the third son to William and Anna Bowyer. William was a yeoman holding 100 acres of ground along with sheep, cattle and oxen, while Anna produced breads and cheeses for trade at the market. In 1339, the sweating sickness struck down William and Anna. John's oldest brother inherited the land and animals, and his sister left to join the Augustinian Nunnery near Flixton, Suffolk. With little left for John, he was packaged off to his grandfather, Godfryd. Godfryd was a man of the woods. Hired by local nobles to patrol their lands preventing poaching, controlling swineherds and herders amongst the forrest and land. Godfryd was also a veteran of many campaigns and was well regarded as a bowyer and archer. In time, Godfryd took John under his wing and taught him the traits of an archer and the trade of a bowyer. As the war rumbles in the East between England and France, John takes leave of his grandfather vowing to return with riches from France. In Ipswich, Suffolk, John makes his mark on the rolls and joins a company of archers and enters the Kings Army.

History in the SCA:

Timeline:

• When started in SCA:
• Significant events since then:
  • Honorable Lord John Bowyer was announced to be elevated to the Order of Chivalry at Feast of Eagles 2019.
  • Vigil and elevation - Valor (Labor Day Weekend).

Groups and Affiliations:

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• Previous Groups:
• Guilds, Households, etc:

Offices:

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Other Information

Websites, photo-sharing, etc.

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Court had some good stuff. Besides getting to swear fealty, my favorite bit was when Sir Duncan of Skeen 'interrupted' the newly sworn Chivalry to talk to the Crown about the Seven Chivalric Virtues, and how Franchise is so essential yet hard to even define that he had taken a squire to help himself, Duncan, learn that elusive art. A squire whose understanding of the other Chivalric Virtues as well as expertise in combat were such that Sir Duncan wished to beg the boon for that squire, John Bowyer.

Who, like his knight before him, just happened to have stepped outside at this critical moment.

So like Duncan of Skeen before him, John Bowyer had to be located - fortunately quickly - and brought into the hall to a screaming standing ovation and the open arms of his knight. It was wonderful. - Jenna of Southwind Dale

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A few years ago Astryd and I made our way into the sca. At the first practice we ever attended John Bowyer and I clicked immediately. The military stories and overall life stories were shared as we were introduced into the world in which we play. He had taken us in. He helped to make sure I had armor and quite literally has thrown clothing and books at me to help me. He has gone out of his way to check on my wife and I as we have recently gone through the struggles of real life. We have carpooled and fought on several occasions and I am constantly reminded at how lucky I am to have been introduced into the sca by him. I am a thrilled to be able to witness him being elevated. He is an amazing person and will only help the society that much more!!! Congrats brother!!!! - James Bylewski

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As a Society, we often talk of Peer-Like Qualities as a vague abstraction. We can easily point to peers and other members of the populace who, in our eyes, don't live up to those ideals. I'd like to bring word fame to someone who has.

Since I moved to Calontir in 2015, I've seen John Bowyer consistently provide hospitality and advice to all comers. He opens his home for projects and practice and pell work.

I've never seen him publicly be overcome with anger or hear him speak a spiteful word. He moderates his speech and action and is careful about his demeanor.

John has patience, both in dealing with people and the circumstances of life. I have never heard him lament about his long journey through many SCA kingdoms as a member of the Air Force - and the challenges to just recognition of his talents that resulted in. He's also able to handle the idiosyncrasies of many challenging personality types that I'm unable to do.

He encourages and takes time to mentor newcomers to the Society and to the KC-area world of the SCA, both on the rattan field and off. If you have a question, you can ask John. If you need help with a project, you can ask John.

He consistently gives of himself, to the betterment of many of us.

He is conspicuous about his kit, and looks the part of someone who'd be seen on the battlefield long ago - whether that's a 14th century archer captain or Anglo-Saxon warrior.

I cannot speak to his prowess - but the members of the Order of Chivalry have seen to his diligence. I can, however, speak to his Peer-Like Qualities.

If someone asked me what a Peer acts like, I would point to John.

He is man with few equals in that regard, and those who are are real inspirations and luminaries.

John, I am so very happy to see the Chivalry and the Crown recognize your worth by asking you to sit vigil and to be made a Knight. Calontir will be all the better for it.

Congratulations! - Hugo von Harlo