Thomas Townshend

Thomas Townshend was born on June 2, 1701, and died on May 21, 1780. He was associated with Frognal House in Kent. His father was Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend, and his mother was The Honorable Elizabeth Pelham.

Townshend received his early education at Eton College in 1718. In 1720, he was admitted to King's College, Cambridge, and also enrolled at Lincoln's Inn.

In the 1722 British general election, Townshend was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) representing Winchelsea as a member of the Whig party. Two years later, in 1724, he was appointed under-secretary of state to his father. During the 1727 election, he was elected for both Hastings and Cambridge University, ultimately choosing to represent Cambridge University. That same year, he was appointed Teller of the Exchequer, a position he held until his death.

In 1730, Townshend's father left office, resulting in his loss of the under-secretary position. He was re-elected unopposed for Cambridge University in the 1734 election and was appointed secretary to the Duke of Devonshire, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in 1739. He continued to serve as MP for Cambridge University through subsequent elections in 1741 and 1747, both times unopposed.

He was again elected as MP for Cambridge University in 1754, 1761, and 1768. Throughout his parliamentary career, Townshend was known for regular attendance and occasional speeches.

In 1730, he married Albinia Selwyn, daughter of John Selwyn. She died in 1739. In 1752, Townshend purchased Frognal House near Sidcup in Kent. He outlived his wife by over four decades, passing away in May 1780 at the age of 78.

His son, also named Thomas, became a notable politician and was created Viscount Sydney in 1789. Thomas Townshend had brothers named Charles, William, and Roger. His nephews included George, Charles, and Charles Townshend, 1st Baron Bayning.