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Charles Townshend

(1725-1767), Whig politician; Chancellor of the Exchequer

Early Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 8 portraits
Second son of Charles, 3rd Viscount Townshend. He served as MP for Yarmouth, 1747-61, and then for Harwich. He served as lord of the admiralty, 1754-5, and as secretary-at-war, 1761. He refused to join Grenville's administration and went into opposition. He became paymaster in 1765 and chancellor of exchequer in Chatham's ministry in 1766, but opposed his India policy and 'pledged himself to find a revenue in America', 1767; and established commissioners of customs in America and port duties, but did not live to see results. Brilliant but capricious and impetuous, he suffered from ill health and died relatively young.

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Charles Townshend, by John Sebastian Miller (formerly Johann Sebastian Müller), after  Unknown artist - NPG D6970

Charles Townshend

by John Sebastian Miller (formerly Johann Sebastian Müller), after Unknown artist
etching, circa 1750-1800
NPG D6970

Charles Townshend, by John Sebastian Miller (formerly Johann Sebastian Müller), after  Unknown artist - NPG D6971

Charles Townshend

by John Sebastian Miller (formerly Johann Sebastian Müller), after Unknown artist
line engraving, circa 1750-1800
NPG D6971

Charles Townshend, by John Dixon, published by  William Wynne Ryland, after  Sir Joshua Reynolds - NPG D40073

Charles Townshend

by John Dixon, published by William Wynne Ryland, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published 21 December 1770 (1765-1767)
NPG D40073

Charles Townshend, by John Dixon, after  Sir Joshua Reynolds - NPG D40074

Charles Townshend

by John Dixon, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, circa 1770 (1765-1767)
NPG D40074

Charles Townshend, by John Dixon, after  Sir Joshua Reynolds - NPG D4489

Charles Townshend

by John Dixon, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published 21 December 1770 (1765-1767)
NPG D4489

Charles Townshend, by John Dixon, published by  William Wynne Ryland, after  Sir Joshua Reynolds - NPG D14297

Charles Townshend

by John Dixon, published by William Wynne Ryland, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published 21 December 1770 (1765-1767)
NPG D14297

Charles Townshend, by Samuel William Reynolds, after  Sir Joshua Reynolds - NPG D4490

Charles Townshend

by Samuel William Reynolds, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, 1836
NPG D4490

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