This line of Bowdlers comes directly from the Bowdler of Harlescott and Shrewsbury pedigree recorded in the Heralds Visitation of Shropshire 1623, linking to Samuel Bowdler of Arlescott (born 1584). The Madeley line seems to be the largest group of Bowdlers.
There are descendants from this line in Australia, USA and New Zealand.
Several of the founder members of the Bowdler Family History Society are from this line:
- Bill Bowdler
- Keith Bowdler
- Terry Bowdler
- Ian Bowdler
Notable people from this line include:
- Arthur Bowdler – Coalport painter
- Alfred W Bowdler – instrumental in the founding of the town of Telford
- Audley Bowdler Williamson – inventor of Swarfega