Charles Townshend
(1725-1767), Whig politician; Chancellor of the ExchequerEarly 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.
attributed to Isaac Gosset
wax medallion, circa 1750-1767
NPG 1756
by John Sebastian Miller (formerly Johann Sebastian Müller), after Unknown artist
etching, circa 1750-1800
NPG D6970
by John Sebastian Miller (formerly Johann Sebastian Müller), after Unknown artist
line engraving, circa 1750-1800
NPG D6971
by John Dixon, published by William Wynne Ryland, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published 21 December 1770 (1765-1767)
NPG D40073
by John Dixon, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, circa 1770 (1765-1767)
NPG D40074
by John Dixon, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published 21 December 1770 (1765-1767)
NPG D4489
by John Dixon, published by William Wynne Ryland, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published 21 December 1770 (1765-1767)
NPG D14297
by Samuel William Reynolds, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, 1836
NPG D4490
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