Robert Townshend (judge) facts for kids
Sir Robert Townshend (died 1555 or 1556) was an important judge in England. He worked in places like Ludlow in Shropshire. He was known for being the Chief Justice of the Marches of Wales and Chester. He also started a big family branch called the Townshend family in Cheshire and Shropshire.
His Early Life and Career
Robert Townshend was born as the second son of Sir Roger Townshend from Raynham, Norfolk. In 1515, he joined Lincoln's Inn, which is a place where lawyers are trained. He became a Justice of the Peace for Norfolk in 1526. This job meant he helped keep law and order in the area.
Later, he became a Serjeant at Law in 1540. This was a very high rank for a lawyer. In 1543, he was made a King's Serjeant, meaning he was a lawyer who advised the King. King Henry VIII knighted him in 1545 at Hampton Court Palace. This meant he was given the title "Sir." In the same year, he was made the Justice of Chester.
His Family and Legacy
Sir Robert Townshend married Alice Poppy. They had a large family with six sons and six daughters. He passed away on February 8, 1555 or 1556. He was buried in the church at Ludlow.
A special memorial was built for him in 1581. It is a large table tomb with colorful statues of Sir Robert and Dame Alice lying down. The tomb also shows their family symbols and images of their children as mourners. One of his sons, Sir Henry Townshend, also became a judge, following in his father's footsteps.
His Children
Sir Robert Townshend and Alice Poppy had many children. Here are some of them:
- Thomas (born around 1534, died 1591) of Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
- Robert (born around 1535, died 1614) of Llanvary and Ludlow, Shropshire.
- (Sir) Henry (born around 1537, died 1621), who became a judge like his father. He lived at Ludlow Castle.
- Isaac.
- Roger.
- John.
- Elizabeth.
- Alice, who passed away in Ludlow in 1607.
- Amey.
- Eleanor.
- Thomazin.
- Grace.
- Bridget.
