Robert Kanzow Bowley (13 May 1813 – 25 August 1870), was an English amateur musician, and later an early music administrator.
About the same time he became organist of the Independent Chapel in Orange Street, Leicester Square, and continued in that role for several years.
In 1856, he was the originator of the gigantic Handel festivals that were subsequently held every three years at the Crystal Palace from 1857 onwards.
All sorts of events were held there, including firework displays, cat and dog shows, cricket and football matches.
[1][2] At the inquest following his death, it was determined that a succession of personal tragedies and the pressures of work had led to him taking his own life.