Horatio Townshend

Sir Horatio George Powys Townshend (6 February 1780 – 25 May 1843) was a British politician and military officer who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Whitchurch from 1816 to 1826 and 1831 to 1832. He commanded the Grenadier Guards from 1821 to 1830.

Early life and education Horatio George Powys Townshend was born on 6 February 1780, the youngest son of Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney and Elizabeth Townshend, Viscountess Sydney. His father was a politician who had previously served as Home Secretary and had been the MP for Whitchurch. He became Lieutenant and Captain in 1799; Captain and Lieutenant Colonel in 1809; and Brevet Colonel in 1819. Townshend embarked with the Grenadier Guards at the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland in 1799 and accompanied it to Sicily in 1806 and fought at the Battle of Maida. The same year, he was severely wounded at the Battle of Quatre Bras, and fought at the Battle of Waterloo.

Townshend became the MP for Whitchurch in 1816, and was reelected at the 1820 general election. and held the position until his death.

Death and funeral Townshend died after a lengthy illness on 25 May 1843 at the age of 63 at his home in Bolton Street. At his request, his burial pall was dressed in the ceremonial colours of the Grenadier Guards, and his remains were carried to the family vault in Chiselhurst by regimental survivors of Waterloo.

Honours

On 25 September 1835, Townshend became a Knight Commander of the Royal Guelphic Order