Roger Townshend

Roger Townshend was born on 5 June 1708 and died on 7 August 1760. He was a British soldier and a Member of Parliament during the 18th century.

He was the youngest son of Charles Townshend, the 2nd Viscount Townshend, and his first wife, the Honorable Elizabeth Pelham. His paternal lineage included several notable family members, with elder brothers named Charles Townshend, the 3rd Viscount Townshend; Thomas Townshend; and William Townshend. His family also encompassed nephews who gained prominence, including George Townshend, the 1st Marquess Townshend; Charles Townshend; and Thomas Townshend, the 1st Viscount Sydney.

In his military career, Roger Townshend served as a cavalry officer in Wade's Regiment of Horse. He participated as an aide-de-camp to King George II at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743. From 1745 to 1760, he held the position of Governor of the North Yarmouth garrison.

Concurrently, Townshend pursued a political career. He served as the Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth from 1738 until 1747. Subsequently, he represented the constituency of Eye from 1747 to 1748. After his parliamentary service, he held the position of Receiver of Customs, a role he maintained from 1748 until his death in 1760.

During his time in Parliament, Townshend initially supported the Opposition but later aligned with the Administration. He did not marry during his lifetime. Roger Townshend passed away in August 1760 at the age of 52.