# Parson Bowden — Lorna Doone character guide

> Parson Bowden in Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Parson, Parson Bowden, Bowden, Josiah Bowden

**First appearance:** 0000-i-elements-of-education

## Who they are

The local clergyman, a friend of the Ridd family.

## In the story

### [Reaping Leads to Revelling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxix-reaping-leads-to-revelling)

Leads the harvest ceremony, reads scripture, and says grace at the harvest-supper.

### [Mutual Discomfiture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/liv-mutual-discomfiture)

Blamed for the failure of the attack due to his manner of going up the hill.

### [LXII: The King Must Not Be Prayed For](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxii-the-king-must-not-be-prayed-for)

Conducts the service when Sam Fry interrupts the prayer for the King.

### [Suitable Devotion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxvi-suitable-devotion)

John mentions Parson Bowden as someone he wishes were present to help him understand the religious proceedings at the Catholic mass.

### [Blood Upon the Altar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxxiv-blood-upon-the-altar)

Officiates the wedding ceremony.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/endnotes)

Mentioned in a note clarifying that he was not involved with Parson Powell.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/parson_bowden
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters