TOWNSHEND, Hon. Thomas (1701-80), of Frognal, Kent.

By birth and upbringing Townshend was a Whig, closely connected with the leading Whig families under George II. Comfortably provided for with one of the richest sinecures under Government,CJ, xxxviii. 755. he seems to have had no great political ambitions. He remained loyal to Newcastle after 1762, and continued with the Opposition until he left Parliament. Judging from his record in division lists, he was a regular attender. It is impossible to say how often he spoke because of confusion in the reports with his son, but three speeches are definitely known: 25 May 1759, on the plate bill;Add. 32891, f. 309. 18 Mar. 1765, on a bill to facilitate the exchange of Church lands;Harris’s ‘Debates’. 23 Feb. 1773, against the motion to abolish subscription to the 39 Articles at the universitiesCavendish’s ‘Debates’, Egerton 244, p. 220.—all questions which touched the interests of his constituents.

He died it 21 May 1780.