Roger Townshend (Norfolk MP, born 1477) facts for kids

Sir Roger Townshend (born in 1477, died in 1552) was an important person in England long ago. He owned a lot of land, was a knight, and worked in politics. This means he helped run the country and his local area.

Sir Roger Townshend's Life

Roger Townshend was born in a place called Raynham, Norfolk. His father was also named Sir Roger Townshend, and his mother was Eleanor Lumford. He went to a special school for law called Lincoln's Inn.

Even though his father was a judge, Roger decided to focus on his family's lands. He also spent his time helping with local government. He was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk in 1511 and again in 1518. A High Sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer for a county.

Roger was also elected as a Knight of the Shire for Norfolk in 1529 and 1542. This meant he was a representative for his area in the English Parliament. He was given the special title of "Sir" in 1518, which showed he was a knight.

His Family

Sir Roger Townshend married a woman named Anne (or Amy) Brewes. She came from important families in Suffolk and Norfolk. Together, they had eight children: six sons and two daughters.

Their children were:

• Sir John Townshend (who died before his father in 1543 or 1544). He married Eleanor Heydon.
• Sir Robert Townshend (who died in 1557). He became a judge, just like his grandfather.
• Sir George Townshend.
• Sir Roger Townshend.
• Sir Thomas Townshend.
• Sir Giles Townshend (who died in 1552).
• Susan Townshend, who married Sir Edmund Wyndham.
• Katherine Townshend, who married Sir Henry Bedingfield.

Sir Roger Townshend passed away on May 10, 1552, in Raynham. After his death, his great-grandson, Sir Roger Townshend, took over the family's lands and responsibilities.