Edward Ernest Bowen (30 March 1836 – 8 April 1901) was a first-class cricketer, footballer, and an influential schoolmaster at Harrow School from 1859 until his death, and the author of the Harrow school song, "Forty Years On". He was notable in football for winning the first two FA Cup finals with the Wanderers.
Biography
The son of Christopher Bowen, he was born at Glenmore in Ireland; his elder brother was Charles Bowen, a well-known judge. He was educated in England at Blackheath Proprietary School and King's College, London before entering Trinity College, Cambridge. While studying at Cambridge, Bowen served as president of the Cambridge Union in 1856. He was appointed a fellow of Trinity College in the same year as his move to Harrow. Bowen played for England in the first pseudo-international in 1870, against Scotland at The Oval; this match preceded the first official international in 1872. Bowen played cricket at first-class level for Hampshire against Sussex at Hove. He failed to score in the match, twice being dismissed by James Lillywhite. His other sporting endeavours expanded to cycling, mountaineering, skating, He was politically active and was a member of the Liberal Party. He was their candidate for Hertford in the 1880 General election, but lost to future Prime Minister Arthur Balfour.
It was whilst on a cycling tour of France in 1901 that Bowen died suddenly at the village of Moux. Despite seemingly having been in perfect health, it was noted that his sudden death occurred while he was trying to mount his bicycle. His elder brother was also a first-class cricketer. His grandson, I. M. B. Stuart, was an Irish rugby union international and broadcaster.