Charles Townshend, 1st Baron Bayning facts for kids
Charles Townshend, 1st Baron Bayning (born August 27, 1728 – died May 19, 1810) was an important British politician. He held many different jobs in the government during his long career. He was also known as "Spanish Charles" to tell him apart from his cousin with the same name.
Early Life and Schooling
Charles Townshend was the only son of William Townshend. His grandfather was Charles Townshend, who was the 2nd Viscount Townshend. Charles had several famous cousins, including George Townshend and Thomas Townshend.
His mother was Henrietta Powlett. Through his mother's family, Charles was related to the old Viscount Bayning family. This connection would later become important when he received his own title. Charles went to school at Eton and then studied at Clare College, Cambridge.
A Career in Politics
Charles Townshend began his career working for the British government. From 1751 to 1756, he was a Secretary at the British Embassy in Madrid, Spain. This is how he got his nickname, "Spanish Charles."
In 1756, he was elected to the House of Commons. This is like being a member of parliament today. He represented the area of Great Yarmouth for many years, until 1784.
He held several important roles in the government:
- From 1765 to 1770, he was a Lord of the Admiralty. This meant he helped manage the British navy.
- From 1770 to 1777, he served as a Lord of the Treasury. This role involved looking after the country's money.
- From 1777 to 1782, he was a Joint Vice-Treasurer for Ireland.
- Between April and December 1783, he was the Treasurer of the Navy. He worked in a government group called the Fox-North Coalition.
In 1777, Charles Townshend became a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of important advisors to the King or Queen. He was elected again as a Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth in 1790. He stayed in this role until 1796.
The next year, in 1797, he was given a special title by the King. He became Baron Bayning, which is a type of noble title. The title was connected to Foxley in the County of Berkshire.
In 1807, he took on another role as High Steward of Great Yarmouth. He lived at a place called Honingham Hall in Norfolk.
Family Life
Lord Bayning married Annabella Smith-Powlett in 1777. Her parents were Reverend Richard Smith and Annabella Powlett.
Lord Bayning passed away in May 1810 when he was 81 years old. His oldest son, also named Charles, inherited his title and became the 2nd Baron Bayning. Lady Bayning, his wife, died later in 1825.
See also
- Marquess Townshend
- Viscount Bayning
