On this day in Tudor history, 20th August 1580, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, soldier and administrator Sir George Bowes died at Streatlam, County Durham.

Bowes was buried in the family vault at Barnard Castle Church.

Bowes had served Elizabeth I as a member of the Council of the North and the Ecclesiastical High Commission for York, a Justice of the Peace and sheriff, and as the Earl of Sussex’s Deputy in Co. Durham and Richmondshire, and Provost Marshal.

Bowes had also been chosen to escort Mary, Queen of Scots from Carlisle to Bolton Castle in 1568.