Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Viscount Townshend KG PC FRS
Portrait of Townshend attributed to Charles Jervas, c. 1724, dressed in Garter robes (National Portrait Gallery)
Lord President of the Council
In office 11 June 1720 – 25 June 1721
Monarch	George I
Preceded by	The Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull
Succeeded by	The Lord Carleton
Personal details
Born	(1674-04-18)18 April 1674 Raynham Hall, Norfolk, Kingdom of England
Died	21 June 1738(1738-06-21) (aged 64) Raynham Hall, Norfolk, England, Kingdom of Great Britain
Parent	Horatio Townshend (father)
Education	Eton College
Alma mater	King's College, Cambridge
Known for	inventing the 4 crop rotation method

Arms of Townshend: Azure, a chevron ermine between three escallops argent

Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend (born April 18, 1674 – died June 21, 1738) was an important English politician. He was a member of the Whig party. He is best known for his work in government and for his interest in farming.

Townshend was a top diplomat, working closely with his brother-in-law, Prime Minister Robert Walpole. He was also known as Turnip Townshend. This nickname came from his passion for growing turnips. He played a big part in improving farming methods in Britain.

Early Life and Education

Charles Townshend was born at Raynham Hall in Norfolk, England. His father was Sir Horatio Townshend. Charles became Viscount Townshend in 1687, when he was still young.

He went to Eton College and then to King's College, Cambridge. When he first joined the House of Lords, he supported the Tory party. However, his political views soon changed. He became an active member of the Whig party.

In 1708, he became Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard. This was a royal bodyguard unit. He also joined the Privy Council. This was a group of advisors to the monarch. From 1709 to 1711, he was an ambassador to the Netherlands. He helped with talks that led to the Treaty of Utrecht. This treaty ended a major European war.

In 1706, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group of top scientists.

A Career in Politics

Charles Viscount Townshend, painted by Kneller. This portrait was likely painted after he joined the House of Lords.

After returning to England, Townshend became a strong critic of the Tory government. When George I became king in 1714, Townshend quickly gained his trust. He was made Secretary of State for the Northern Department. This was a very important job. He was in charge of Britain's foreign policy.

Townshend and his team worked for peace. They stopped a rebellion in 1715. They also made alliances with other European countries. These included agreements with the Holy Roman Emperor and France.

However, political disagreements caused problems. In 1716, Townshend lost his job as Secretary. He was then made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. But he only held this position for a short time. When he was dismissed, his brother-in-law Robert Walpole also left the government. This led to a split within the Whig party.

In 1720, Townshend returned to a top role. He became Lord President of the Council. In 1721, he was again appointed Secretary of State for the Northern Department. His brother-in-law, Robert Walpole, became a very powerful minister. They worked together to lead the country.

During this time, Britain's relationship with the Netherlands improved. Townshend had been an ambassador there. He was known for his love of the Dutch people.

Townshend and Walpole had some disagreements later on. Townshend eventually retired from politics in 1730. His departure helped Britain form an alliance with Austria. This alliance became very important for British foreign policy.

Historians say Townshend was very capable and hardworking. He was also honest and generous. He was a passionate person who formed strong opinions. Some historians believe his achievements are sometimes overlooked. This is partly because Walpole stayed in power longer than he did.

"Turnip" Townshend and Farming

After leaving politics, Townshend spent his remaining years at Raynham Hall. He focused on his great interest: farming. He helped spread a new farming method called the Norfolk four-course system.

This system involved rotating four different crops. These were turnips, barley, clover, and wheat. Growing turnips was especially important. They were used as food for livestock during winter. This meant farmers could keep more animals.

Because of his strong support for growing turnips, he became known as "Turnip Townshend." The poet Alexander Pope even mentioned "Townshend's turnips." Townshend is seen as a key figure in Britain's "Agricultural Revolution." His ideas helped increase Britain's population between 1700 and 1850.

He passed away at Raynham on June 21, 1738.

His Family

Elizabeth Pelham, Charles's first wife, painted by Godfrey Kneller.

Dorothy Walpole, Charles's second wife, painted by Charles Jervas.

Charles Townshend was married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Pelham (1681–1711). She was the daughter of Thomas Pelham.

With Elizabeth Pelham, he had several children:

• Elizabeth Townshend (died 1785): She married Charles Cornwallis. They were the parents of General Cornwallis. He commanded British forces in the American Revolution.
• Charles Townshend, 3rd Viscount Townshend (1700–1764)
• Thomas Townshend (1701–1780)
• William Townshend (1702–1738)
• Roger Townshend (1708–1760)

His second wife was Dorothy Walpole (1686–1726). She was the sister of Robert Walpole, the Prime Minister. Legend says she haunts Raynham Hall as the Brown Lady of Raynham Hall.

With Dorothy Walpole, he had more children:

• George Townshend (1715–1769): He became an admiral in the navy.
• Augustus Townshend (1716–1746)
• Horatio Townshend (1718–1764)
• Edward Townshend (1719–1765): He became the Dean of Norwich.
• Richard Townshend (born 1721): He died young.
• Dorothy Townshend (1722–1779)
• Mary Townshend: She married Edward Cornwallis.

Townshend had nine sons in total, though one died young. His descendants continued to be important figures in British history.

See also

• Kingdom of Great Britain#George I: 1714–1727

Sources