Charles R. Bowring

Who was Charles R. Bowring?

Charles Rennie Bowring was a merchant and politician born in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.

Bowring was born at St. John's to Charles Tricks Bowring and Harriet Harvey and was the grandson of Benjamin Bowring who had established Bowring Brothers, to be one the largest steamship companies in Newfoundland. Charles' father was also a prominent businessman in Newfoundland.

Whilst an infant, his family moved to Liverpool, England, where he was educated and raised as a Unitarian. He was a junior partner of Bowring Brothers in Liverpool until he moved back to Newfoundland to become manager of the operation there.

Bowring Brothers, under Bowring's direction, became one of the leading firms in the seal and cod fisheries and in the transportation of foodstuff to the coastal communities. In 1876 the company was awarded the Newfoundland government’s mail contract. These operations had taken them to a fleet of vessels numbering 57 sailing and steam vessels. Among all of its other ventures they also acted as the Newfoundland agent for several shipping and insurance companies, including Lloyd's of London from 1866. In 1884 the firm established the Red Cross Line, a passenger and freight service.