Bower/Bagley Family - Cherry Orchard at Crabtree & Rowberry Mead

In the Bower Mini-Project, I identified that adjacent to the Bowers of Rowberry Mead was Millshot Farm, the property of Mr William Bagley, a descendant of one of the oldest families in Fulham:

Extract from Publication, "Fulham Old& New" Volume III by Charles Feret

"In 1757 is an entry in the Highway Rate books, relating to "Mr Bowers for the cherry orchard late Thompson".

This was Mr. George Bower, who is rated for it down to 1764.

The "messuage, barn and mead called Rowberry Mead" were in 1761 leased to Mr. William Cobb, on whose surrender it was, in 1795, leased to Mr. William Bower, the son of Mr. George Bower.

On the death of William Bower, the lease of Rowberry Mead was, in 1816, renewed to his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Bower.

In 1823 it became the property of Mr George Bower, who resided here down to 1859. (Editor:Should have read, George died in 1845 and his son George took over).His widow lived here for some years.

It was subsequently taken by Mr. S.J. Walden, in connection with his basket-making business.

The boundaries of Rowberry Mead are the river on the west, Pale Mead on the south, and Fulham Fields on east and north.

On the east side of the road, nearly facing Rowberry Mead, is Millshot Farm, the property of Mr William Bagley, a descendant of one of the oldest families in Fulham.

A little further along the road, on the same side as Rowberry Mead, we reach the site of Craven Cottage, a charming villa which was the home of some notable charaters."

Bower/Bagley Family

A current member of the Bagley Family advised me of the following marriage:

St Clement Danes

William Bagley born c 1785
married 10.10.1808
Ann Bower born c 1785

and wondered if there was some link to "our" Bowers.

Like the Bowers of Fulham, the Bagleys were market gardeners.

At first glance, the most likely link would be to George Bower or his son William. However George Bower leased the cherry orchard adjacent to Rowberry Mead 1757-1764 and therefore he does not appear to fit the bill. William Bower married 1775 so a link also seems unlikely.

I did find 2 interesting entries at All Saints Fulham, though:

- Ann Bagley of Fulham Fields
buried 5.7.1831 (age 43)

giving her birth as 1787/8

George Bower of Crabtree
buried 19.2.1845 (age 68)

George was bp in 1776 in Dartford Kent and William's son.

Both entries Fulham and about the right ages. A link looked possible but at the time of writing, I have not found one.

Colin Bower
30 June 2025

Bower Mini Project