Shower, Bartholomew, Sir (1658 -1701)

Sir Bartholomew Shower was born in Exeter on 14 December 1658, the third son of William Shower, merchant, and Dorcas, daughter of John Anthony. On completing his education in Exeter, Bartholomew came to London early in 1675, entered the Middle Temple on 9 September 1676, was called to the bar on 21 May 1680, and became known as a pleader. In 1684 he moved from the Temple into Chancery Lane and the following year was appointed Deputy Recorder under Sir John Holt. Shower was knighted by James II at Whitehall on 12 May 1687, and was made Recorder of London in place of Sir J. Tate on 6 February 1688. He was made bencher of his inn on 25 May in the same year, and reader three years later. He pursued a successful legal career, one of his most prominent clients being Sir Edward Seymour, 4th Barpnet. Shower died suddenly of pleurisy at his house in Temple Lane, and was buried in the chancel of Pinner Church.