Roger Townshend (Norfolk MP, died 1709) facts for kids
Roger Townshend (born after 1675 – died May 22, 1709) was an important person in British history. He was an officer in the British Army. He was also a politician who belonged to the Whig party. He served in the English and British Parliament from 1701 to 1709.
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Early Life and Education
Roger Townshend was the son of Horatio Townshend, 1st Viscount Townshend. His family lived at Raynham Hall. Roger's mother was Mary Ashe. She was the daughter of Sir Joseph Ashe, 1st Baronet.
Roger went to Eton College from about 1688 to 1695. After that, he studied at King's College, Cambridge in 1695.
His Political Journey
Roger Townshend became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Norfolk. This happened in the elections of 1701. His older brother, Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend, helped him get elected.
Before the 1702 election, Roger had a disagreement with another MP, Sir John Holland, 2nd Baronet. Because of this, Roger decided not to run for election that year. Later, he was given the job of Deputy Lieutenant.
In the 1705 election, Roger agreed to run again with Sir John Holland. He was elected as a Whig MP. He supported the "Court candidate" for Speaker on October 25, 1705. He also voted with the "Court" on a bill about regency in 1706.
Military Service and Health
On April 12, 1706, Roger was made a colonel for life. He was put in charge of a group of soldiers called a regiment of Foot. This regiment was formed to fight in Spain. However, Roger was not sent abroad at that time.
In Parliament, he helped create a bill to control the prices for bringing coal into Great Yarmouth. Roger often had health problems. In October 1707, he received treatment in Ghent. On his way back, his ship almost sank in bad weather, but he survived.
Later Life and Passing
For the 1708 election, Roger Townshend chose not to run for Norfolk. Instead, his brother helped him become the Whig MP for Great Yarmouth. In August 1708, his regiment was sent to Flanders. Roger asked for permission to leave the army if they were ordered to Portugal.
In 1709, he voted in Parliament to allow people from Palatine to become British citizens.
Roger Townshend never married. He died on May 22, 1709, in Bath. He was there for health treatment. He was buried at Raynham.
