Contents [hide]

Townsend History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

Ireland United States Canada Australia New Zealand West Indies

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Suggested Reading Citations

Townsend History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The ancestry of the name Townsend dates from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It comes from when the family lived on the outskirts of a village. The surname Townsend literally refers to a dweller "at the town's end." The name belongs to the class of topographic surnames, which were given to people who resided near physical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of trees.

Early Origins of the Townsend family

The surname Townsend was first found in Norfolk, at Snoring Magna (Great Snoring) where one of the first records of the name was found there in 1377. "In 1398, John Townshend settled at Rainham, which according to some accounts accrued to them by the heiress of Havile. " 1

Another source confirms this noble family's status. "In 1398, the ancestor of the Marquis Townshend was at Rainham, the present seat of the family." 2

Actually the first record of the name was listed before the two aforementioned worthy sources. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 lists: Geoffrey de le Tuneshende in Norfolk; Henry atte Tunesende in Oxfordshire; and Alice atte Tunishende in Buckinghamshire. Years later, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed: Ricardus atte ye Thounhende; and Johannes atte Tonehende. 3

Raynham Hall is a country house in Norfolk, England. Completed shortly after the death of Sir Roger Townsend's death in 1637, it has been the seat of the Townshend family for nearly 400 years. The Hall is reported to be haunted, and was the scene of the famous ghost photo of the Brown Lady descending the staircase.

Early History of the Townsend family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Townsend research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1350, 1390, 1430, 1486, 1493, 1568, 1596, 1603, 1608, 1618, 1619, 1630, 1637, 1668, 1674, 1682, 1687, 1692, 1738 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Townsend History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Townsend Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Townsend have been found, including Townsend, Townshend and others.

Early Notables of the Townsend family

Notables of the family at this time include

John Townsend (ca. 1608-1668), an early Quaker settler of the American Colonies at Oyster Bay, who emigrated from England about 1630

Townsend World Ranking

In the United States, the name Townsend is the 375^th most popular surname with an estimated 74,610 people with that name. 4 However, in Australia, the name Townsend is ranked the 324^th most popular surname with an estimated 10,960 people with that name. 5 And in New Zealand, the name Townsend is the 513^rd popular surname with an estimated 1,345 people with that name. 6 The United Kingdom ranks Townsend as 326^th with 18,775 people. 7

Migration of the Townsend family to Ireland

Some of the Townsend family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Townsend migration to the United States +

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Townsend, or a variant listed above:

Townsend Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

William Townsend, who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1630
Henry Townsend (1626–1695), English settler to Flushing about 1630
John Townsend (ca. 1608–1668) English settler to America with his brother Henry about 1630, signatory to the Flushing Remonstrance
Mr. Thomas Townsend, aged 14, who arrived in Virginia in 1634 aboard the ship "Bonaventure" coming via St. Domingo 8
Martin Townsend, who arrived in Watertown, Massachusetts in 1634 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Townsend Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Anne Townsend, who landed in Virginia in 1702 9
Robert Townsend, who arrived in Virginia in 1704 9
Benoni Townsend, who landed in New England in 1717 9
Edward Townsend, who landed in Georgia in 1738 9
Mary Townsend, who landed in Georgia in 1740 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Townsend Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Daniel Townsend, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1863 9

Townsend migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Townsend Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Davis Townsend, who landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749-1752
James Townsend, who settled, with his wife and five children, in St. John Island in 1775
Mr. Job Townsend U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 10
Mr. Leven Townsend U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 10

Townsend Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Charles Townsend, who arrived in Canada in 1830
Abraham Townsend, who landed in Canada in 1831
Platt Townsend, who landed in Canada in 1831
Samuel Townsend, who landed in Canada in 1831
George Townsend, aged 28, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Eleanor Gordon" in 1834
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Townsend migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Townsend Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. John Townsend, (b. 1784), aged 25, Irish shoe maker who was convicted in Wicklow, Ireland for life for felony, transported aboard the "Boyd" on 10th March 1809, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he was executed in 1813 11
Mr. William Townsend, Canadian covict who was convicted in Kingston, Ontario, Canada for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 16th January 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12
Mr. William Townsend, (b. 1797), aged 20, English farmer who was convicted in Old Bailey, London, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Batavia" in October 1817, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. Henry Townsend, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Dromedary" on 11th September 1819, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 14
Mr. Thomas Townsend, English convict who was convicted in Southampton, Hampshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Claudine" on 19th August 1829, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Townsend migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Townsend Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr Townsend, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1841 aboard the ship "Lord William Bentinck"
Mr. Chauncey H. Townsend, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Lord William Bentinck" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 24th May 1841 16
Michael Townsend, aged 22, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Shamrock" in 1855
Mr. Thomas Townsend, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Harwood" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 4th November 1858 16
Mr. W. Townsend, Australian settler travelling from Melbourne, Victoria aboard the ship "Dunedin" arriving in Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand on 14th November 1859 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Townsend migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 17

Townsend Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Richard Townsend, (b. 1616), aged 19, British settler traveling aboard the ship "John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 18

Contemporary Notables of the name Townsend (post 1700) +

Winnie Townsend, American Democratic Party politician, Presidential Elector for Kentucky, 1996
Willis L. Townsend (b. 1858), American politician, Delegate to Michigan State Constitutional Convention 29th District, 1907-08
Mrs. Willis Townsend, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Arkansas, 1964
William L. Townsend, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Missouri, 1928
William K. Townsend, American politician, Member of Connecticut State House of Representatives from East Haven, 1837-38
William H. Townsend, American politician, Member of Minnesota State House of Representatives 23rd District, 1857-58
William Townsend, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Wyoming, 1952
William Townsend, American politician, Member of New York State Assembly from Oneida County 1st District, 1883
William Townsend, American politician, Member of New York State Assembly from Washington County, 1831
William Townsend, American politician, Member of New York State Assembly from Queens County, 1808-11
... (Another 151 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Townsend family +

Halifax Explosion

F M Townsend, Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 19
Mr. William Townsend (1876-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 19
Mr. Joseph J Townsend, Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 19
Miss Vera Grace Townsend (1915-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 19

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Mervyn Clive Townsend (1917-1941), Australian Surgeon Lieutenant Dentist from Williamstown, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 20

HMS Dorsetshire

Charles Thomas Townsend, British Able Seaman aboard the HMS Dorsetshire (1945) when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he survived the sinking 21

HMS Repulse

Mr. Leslie Thomas Townsend, British Corporal, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 22

HMS Royal Oak

Terence Henry Townsend (1920-1939), British Marine with the Royal Marine aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 23

Citations +

Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/Boyd
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/batavia
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/dromedary
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 18th February 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/claudine
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/daphne
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html