Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Townley, Charles

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760460Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 57 — Townley, Charles1899Thompson Cooper

TOWNLEY, Sir CHARLES (1713–1774), Garter king-of-arms, eldest son of Charles Townley of Clapham, Surrey, descended from a younger branch of the ancient family of Towneley Hall, near Burnley, Lancashire, was born on Tower Hill, London, on 7 May 1713. James Townley [q. v.] was his younger brother. He was sent to Merchant Taylors' school in 1727. Entering the College of Arms, he was appointed York herald in July 1735, Norroy king-of-arms on 2 Nov. 1751, Clarenceux king-of-arms on 11 Jan. 1754–5, and Garter principal king-of-arms on 27 April 1773. He was knighted at George III's coronation in 1761. He died in Camden Street, Islington, on 7 June 1774, and was buried in the church of St. Dunstan-in-the-East. His portrait was painted by Thomas Frye.

He married Mary, daughter of George Eastwood of Thornhill, Yorkshire. A son, Charles Townley, born on 31 Oct. 1749, became Bluemantle pursuivant on 31 Dec. 1774, Lancaster herald on 24 Dec. 1781, and died on 25 Nov. 1800.

[Noble's College of Arms, pp. 383, 386, 388, 414, 418, 439, 441; Gent. Mag. 1774, p. 287; Robinson's Register of Merchant Taylors' School, i. 70.]

T. C.