Sir Roger Townshend, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Roger Townshend, 1st Baronet (born around 1596 – died January 1, 1637), was an important English landowner and politician. He served in the English Parliament twice, from 1621 to 1629.
About His Family
Roger Townshend was the son of Sir John Townshend from Raynham, Norfolk. His mother was Anne Bacon. Anne was the oldest daughter of Sir Nathaniel Bacon.
Roger's grandparents were Sir Roger Townshend and Jane Stanhope. After his grandfather Sir Roger died, his grandmother Jane married Henry Berkeley, 7th Baron Berkeley. She passed away in 1618.
His Life and Work
Roger became the owner of the Raynham estate when his father, Sir John Townshend, died in 1603. His father passed away from a wound he received in a duel.
In 1617, Roger was given the title of Baronet. This meant he was part of a special group of landowners. In 1619, he started building the family home, Raynham Hall. A famous architect named Inigo Jones designed the house.
Roger was elected to Parliament as a Member of Parliament for Orford in 1621. Later, in 1628, he was elected to represent Norfolk. He served until 1629. During this time, King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years. Roger also served as the Sheriff of Norfolk in 1629.
People thought highly of Roger because he was very kind and generous. He died when he was 41 years old and was buried in the church at East Raynham.
Marriage and Children
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Roger Townshend married Mary de Vere. She was the daughter of Horace Vere, 1st Baron Vere of Tilbury.
Roger's oldest son, Roger, took over the Baronet title after him. His younger son, Horatio, became the Baronet in 1648. Horatio was later given the title of Viscount Townshend.
After Roger died, his wife Mary married Mildmay Fane, 2nd Earl of Westmorland in 1638.
