Charles Townshend

Charles Townshend (1674-1738), Viscount, was an English statesman, born at Raynham, Norfolk. He succeeded to the title on his father's death, and after taking his seat in the Upper House turned Whig, and soon became prominent in the party. As one of the commissioners he arranged the Scottish Union. He accompanied Marlborough as joint-plenipotentiary to the Gertruydenburg Conference (1709). While acting as ambassador to the States-General, he got into political trouble for signing the Barrier Treaty. Under George I, he rose to high favour, became acknowledged leader of the Whigs, passed the Septennial Act, but after 1721 was eclipsed in the party by the greater abilities of Walpole, and after unpleasant rivalries was forced to withdraw from the ministry (1730). He gave himself then to agricultural pursuits.

Nearby pages
Charles Townshend the statesman, Charles V, Charles V the emperor of Germany, Charles VI, Charles VI the emperor of Germany