John Townshend (died 1603) facts for kids

Sir John Townshend (born around 1568 – died August 2, 1603) was an important English nobleman, politician, and knight. He lived at Raynham Hall in Norfolk, England. He was also a soldier and a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country. Sadly, he died after a fight with Sir Matthew Browne in August 1603.

Who Was John Townshend?

John Townshend was the oldest son of Sir Roger Townshend and his second wife, Jane Stanhope. His mother, Jane, was the daughter of Sir Michael Stanhope. After John's father passed away, his mother Jane married Henry Berkeley, 7th Baron Berkeley.

His Life and Work

John Townshend inherited many lands in Norfolk from his father. This made him one of the most important people in the county. He studied at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, a famous university.

He was elected as a Member of Parliament several times. This meant he represented different areas like Castle Rising, Norfolk, and Orford in the English Parliament.

John Townshend also served as a soldier. In 1592, he fought with the English Army in the Netherlands under Sir Francis Vere. Later, in 1596, he joined an important trip led by the Earl of Essex to Cadiz in Spain. Because of his bravery, he was made a knight.

During a time of political tension, John Townshend was involved in a disagreement with Sir Christopher Heydon. This disagreement became so serious that they planned to fight. However, before they could, both men were called before the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the Queen. They were only allowed to leave when Sir Edward Coke promised that Townshend would behave.

John Townshend was known as a very respected member of King James's first Parliament. However, during this time, he had a serious fight on horseback with a relative, Sir Matthew Browne, on August 1, 1603. Sir Matthew Browne died right away. John Townshend was badly hurt and passed away the next day.

After John's death, his oldest son, Roger, took over the family estates. Roger was still young, so his grandmother, Jane, looked after him. Roger Townshend later became a baronet in 1617. He was an ancestor of the Marquesses Townshend.

Family Life

John Townshend married Anne Bacon (1573–1622). She was the oldest daughter of Sir Nathaniel Bacon. Sir Nathaniel Bacon was also the half-brother of the famous philosopher, Sir Francis Bacon. Through this marriage, the Townshend family gained the Stiffkey estate.

John and Anne had three children:

• Sir Roger Townshend, 1st Baronet
• Stanhope Townshend
• Anne Townshend, who married John Spelman