BOWDEN, or HOVEDEN, a town of England, in the east riding of Yorkshire, is situated upon an inlet of the Ouse, named Howden Dike, which may be considered as the harbour of the town. Howden consists principally of two considerable streets, extending in the direction of north-east and south- west, intersected by three or four lesser ones. The town has of late years undergone very consi derable improvements ; and, though the houses are ancient, yet they are neatly built and commodious. The principal public buildings are, the moot-hall, a large edifice in tilt market, where the courts, &c. are held ; a work-house, built by subscription in 1791, which contains from 20 to 30 paupers, who are maintained at an annual expence of 3001.; and the old Gothic church. This church is a large build ing in the form of a cross, and, excepting the chancel, which is of more recent date, it appears to have been built during the first period of the pointed arch style. The tow
er, which is quadrangular and well proportioned, is 135 feet high, and is said to have been built in 1390, by Walter Skirlaw, Bishop of Durham, as a place of refuge from the inundations of the Ouse and the Derwent, which were for merly very frequent. The chapter-house, which is now unfortunately in ruins, is reckoned a most beautiful speci men of the pointed style. The chancel, particularly the east end of it, is greatly admired. A peal of eight bells was cast for this church in 1775. The ruins of the palace of the bishops of Durham are situated almost close to the church-yard, and are now converted into a farm-house. One of the greatest horse fairs in the kingdom is held here on the 25th of September, and continues till the 3d of Oc tober. Besides the church and its two chapels of ease, there is an Independent and Methodist meeting-house.