Charles Bowen

Date of Birth: January 1, 1835

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: April 10, 1894

Biography

Charles Synge Christopher Bowen, 1st Baron Bowen, was a distinguished British judge and legal scholar born on January 1, 1835, in Gloucestershire, England. He is best known for his analytical prowess and his contributions to English jurisprudence. He attended Balliol College, Oxford, where his academic excellence was evident, earning a double first in classical and mathematical moderations. Bowen was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1861 and quickly established himself as a leading barrister in commercial law. In 1879, he was appointed as a judge of the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice and later served as a Lord Justice of Appeal from 1882 to 1893. During his judicial career, Bowen was noted for his clear and concise judgments, particularly in the field of contract law. His legal opinions have been cited as authoritative in many subsequent cases. Bowen’s contributions to the legal field were not limited to his judgments. He also authored several legal texts and was an active participant in various legal reforms. In recognition of his service, he was raised to the peerage as Baron Bowen of Colwood in 1893. He continued to serve the legal community until his death on April 10, 1894.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Bowen

1. Charles Bowen was a scholar at Rugby School before attending Balliol College, Oxford.

2. He was a contemporary and friend of renowned poet Matthew Arnold.

3. Bowen was known for his wit and eloquence, both in court and in private conversations.

4. He played a significant role in the development of the modern doctrine of estoppel in English law.

5. Bowen was also a member of the Royal Commission on Labour from 1891 to 1894, contributing to labor law reforms.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Bowen

1. “The duty of a judge is to administer justice according to the law.”

2. “Facts are stubborn things; they cannot be altered by our wishes, inclinations, or the dictates of our passions.”

3. “The law is not an exact science; it is an applied art.”

4. “In the profession of the law, clarity of thought and expression is paramount.”

5. “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Charles Bowen did not accumulate significant personal wealth in a modern sense; however, his highest net worth, adjusted for inflation, would be in the range of a few million pounds, largely attributed to his professional earnings and his peerage title.

Children

Charles Bowen and his wife, Emily Frances Eliza, had three children: 1. Henry Bowen, who followed a career in civil service. 2. Ethel Bowen, who was active in charitable and social causes. 3. Edith Bowen, who pursued a career in education.