The Bowles Family

Following James Meyer’s death in 1895, the Estate was purchased by his neighbour Mr Carrington Bowles of Myddelton House.The following year, Mr Bowles’ eldest son Henry Ferryman Bowles came to live at Forty Hall, together with his wife Florence and their young daughter Wilma. Henry’s younger brother Edward Augustus, the world famous gardener and horticulturalist continued to live next door and the two brothers remained close throughout their lives.

Under Sir Henry and Lady Florence’s ownership, Forty Hall was renovated and modernised. Electricity was installed, layers of lime wash removed and the main staircase altered once again. Account books survive from this period and list furniture acquired for the house, uniforms purchased for servants, and even the sixteen pounds paid for Wilma’s horse-riding lessons.

Like previous owners of Forty Hall, Henry Ferryman Bowles took a keen interest in local politics and civic life. He was twice elected Conservative MP for Enfield and in 1926 he was created a Baronet in recognition of his political and public service. Lady Florence was also very much involved in local affairs and was a keen supporter of the newly established Girl Guide movement.

In June 1913, Henry Ferryman Bowles’ only child, Wilma, married Eustace Parker and with this marriage, the family name became Parker Bowles. It was Wilma’s son, Derek Henry, who inherited the Forty Hall 1943.

Derek Parker Bowles and his family continued to live at Forty Hall until 1951. The estate was then sold to Enfield Urban District Council and the house converted into a local museum.

Find out about the Bowles family in an exhibition at Forty Hall

Find out more about the families of Forty Hall here.