William Townshend

Who was William Townshend?

The Honourable William Townshend was a British Member of Parliament.

Townshend was the third son of Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend, and his first wife the Hon. Elizabeth Pelham. Charles Townshend, 3rd Viscount Townshend, Thomas Townshend and Roger Townshend were his brothers and George Townshend, 1st Marquess Townshend, and Charles Townshend his nephews. He was elected to the House of Commons for Great Yarmouth in 1723, a seat he held until his death. He lived at Honingham Hall in Norfolk.

Townshend married Henrietta, daughter of Lord William Powlett, in 1725. Their son Charles was created Baron Bayning in 1797. Townshend died in January 1738, aged only 35. His wife died in 1755.