Townshend family papers

The papers consist of the following:

1. Correspondence (Boxes 1-49, 1619-1914, call numbers TD 1-2430) is arranged chronologically. This series includes family letters of both branches of the Townshend family; the letters are between parents/grandparents and children, siblings, cousins and personal friends. The series includes business letters related to their lands in Chislehurst, Kent, Ludgershall, Wilts., and Whitchurch, Hants. There are also letters related to the Government and the various public offices held by the family.

Significant correspondents include George III, George IV, William IV and Victoria, as well as many members of the Royal family. Political correspondents include 1st Earl of Chatham, W.E. Gladstone, George Grenville, Lord Palmerston, Sir Robert Peel, Spencer Perceval, William Pitt, the Duke of Wellington, and John Wilkes.

Important note: although this material includes the years 1769-1865 there is only one letter which refers slightly to the American Revolutionary War and no letters or other material deal with the American Civil War.

2. Categories (Boxes 50-129, with box and folder numbers) are arranged alphabetically and chronologically based on material type. This series includes:

Estate (Boxes 50-61, 1659-1846): includes material related to family lands in Frognal, Ludgershall, and Whitchurch; correspondence, reports, titles, land papers, rent rolls, taxes and maps.

Financial (Boxes 62-66, 1550-1891): includes family accounts, annuities, bills, bonds, receipts; also material related to the town of Whitchurch.

Government (Boxes 67-70, 1715-1890): includes material dealing with The Exchequer, the Palace and Parliament. John Robert Townshend, 3rd Viscount Sydney, held various offices in the Royal household, including Lord Chamberlain, the material related to his office include Season Kalendars, Rules and Procedures and Ceremonials.

"Lord Chamberlain / Private" Leather-bound box used by Sydney for official correspondence and papers; with some damage and a loose handle. Curator approval must be obtained before paging.

Legal (Boxes 71-72, 1636-1886): includes family accounts, briefs, court opinions, Chancery, Indentures and material related to Chislehurst, Ludgershall and Whitchurch.

Literature (Boxes 73-74, approx. 1690-1901): includes epitaphs, poems, prayers, songs, travel accounts and drawings.

Military (Boxes 75-76, 1725-1858): includes appointments, reports, correspondence, Sir Horatio George Powys Townshend, and Yeoman of the Guard.

Personal and Family (Boxes 77-87, 1513/14-1915): includes wills, marriage settlements, genealogy, inventories and lists, memorandum books, account books, diaries, London dinner books and auction catalogues.

Special Subjects (Boxes 88-89, 1707-1901): includes Autograph Collection of Franks, Sydney Present Fund, Lord Sydney Monument and Elections and Voting.

Ephemera (Boxes 90-91, 1791-1956): includes printed material, autograph notes about the collection, portfolio covers, and bound volumes.

Deeds (Boxes 92-129, 1521-1818): includes a few land deeds related to Kent; the majority are land deeds related to Whitchurch: including indentures, feoffments, leases and releases and uses of fines. These deeds predate the time when the Townshend family had any interest in the town of Whitchurch so it is important to note the deeds follow the land and not the family.