Etheldreda Townshend facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Etheldreda Townshend
|
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Born |
Audrey Etheldreda Harrison
1708 |
| Died | 5 March 1788 (aged 79–80) |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | aristocrat |
| Known for | notorious society hostess |
| Spouse(s) | Charles Townshend, 3rd Viscount Townshend |
| Partner(s) | Thomas Winnington (1696–1746), William Boyd, 4th Earl of Kilmarnock, Lord Frederick Campbell and Henry Fox, 1st Baron Holland |
Audrey Etheldreda Townshend (1708 – 5 March 1788) was a well-known English socialite. She was famous for hosting lively parties and gatherings in her time.
Contents
Etheldreda Townshend: A Socialite's Story
Early Life and Family
Etheldreda was born in 1708. Her full name was Audrey Etheldreda Harrison. Her parents were Frances and Edward Harrison. Her father was an important person. He had been a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he helped make laws for the country. He also governed a fort in Madras, India, and later led the East India Company. Etheldreda was one of four children, but her siblings passed away. This meant she became the only child to inherit her family's wealth.
Marriage and Independence
On May 29, 1723, Etheldreda married Charles Townshend. He later joined the House of Lords in 1724. This is a special part of the British Parliament. He became known as Lord Lynn, and Etheldreda was called Lady Lynn until 1738.
Etheldreda and her husband lived very separate lives. He spent most of his time at his family home, Raynham. They formally separated around 1740. Charles Townshend passed away in 1764. Etheldreda and Charles had three children:
- George (1724–1807), who later became Marquess Townshend.
- Charles (1725–1767).
- Audrey (died 1781), who married a soldier named Richard Orme.
Social Life and Friendships
Etheldreda was known for being a very lively and social person. She enjoyed making friends with important and powerful men. One of her close friends was Thomas Winnington, starting in 1742. He passed away in 1746.
Etheldreda also briefly supported the Jacobite cause. This was a group that wanted a different king to rule Britain. She admired William Boyd, the 4th Earl of Kilmarnock. However, he had led troops against the king and faced serious consequences for his actions.
