Making Empire
This chapter focuses on the family background, childhood, education, and careers of George and Charles Townshend and their role in the making of the British empire. George Townshend was born on February 28, 1724 in London and Charles followed on August 27, 1725 in Essex. Their parents were Charles, third Viscount Townshend, and Etheldreda Harrison, also known as Audrey. The brothers grew up in the Norfolk countryside in Raynham Hall. They both attended the University of Cambridge. In 1747, Charles was elected to Parliament in a constituency controlled by his family and became a member of the Board of Trade. George, on the other hand, joined the army. The chapter also considers Sir Lewis Namier's influence on George and Charles Townshend and how the brothers became involved in British politics, military, and trade. Finally, it discusses the death of the Townshends' younger brother, Roger, and their father.