SERGEANT BILL BOWMAN

(b. 1425 - d. 1482)

BIOGRAPHY:

This man's surname suggests that he is the son of a serving soldier, most likely to be an archer. He arrived in England as part of a ‘defeated’ army, expelled from his ‘own country’ in the early 1450’s.

Already a skilled archer he wandered this country selling his services to one Lord after another. However, Bill was unhappy at his forced ‘exile’ he spent the best part of his wages on drink and an insatiable gambling habit. When the ‘War of the Roses’ erupted Bill had a field day: taking money from one company then deserting and joining a company on the other side in another name.

He managed to avoid most of the battles completely and when he did have to fight he was fortunate enough to be on the winning side and as a result he remained unhurt.
However, it was at the battle of Towton in 1461 where Bill, running, fell and broke his arm and suffered a severe head injury. Lying injured on the field awaiting death his salvation came in the shape of a screaming, blood drenched, Yorkest archer who turned out to be a grieving widow. She helped him back to her lines and nursed him back to health.

During this time, Bill and the widow, named Sarah Bonner became increasingly fond of eachother and formed a relationship, fighting together throughout the war. Eventually, Bill joined the renowned Great Northwood Bowmen.
He still drinks too much and has gambled away their savings more than once, however, he remains loyal to his partner and owes her his life.