Chauncy Hare Townshend

Chauncy Hare Townshend Boaden

Chauncy Hare Townshend (1798 – 1868) was an English clergyman, poet, and collector. He is best known for his extensive collections of art, manuscripts, and natural history specimens, which he bequeathed to the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum.

Early Life

Chauncy Hare Townshend was born in 1798. He was the son of a wealthy merchant, and his early education was conducted at Eton College, followed by Trinity Hall, Cambridge. He was ordained as a clergyman in the Church of England.

Literary Career

Townshend was a prolific writer and poet. His works include several volumes of poetry and essays. He was a contemporary and friend of Charles Dickens, who dedicated his novel Great Expectations to Townshend. Townshend's literary contributions are noted for their reflective and philosophical nature.

Collections

Townshend was an avid collector of art, manuscripts, and natural history specimens. His collections were renowned for their breadth and quality. Upon his death, he bequeathed a significant portion of his collections to the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum. These collections include valuable manuscripts, rare books, and various artifacts of historical significance.

Legacy

Townshend's legacy is preserved through his contributions to literature and his extensive collections, which continue to be of interest to scholars and the public. His bequests have enriched the collections of major British institutions, providing valuable resources for research and education.

See Also

• Charles Dickens
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• British Museum
• Eton College
• Trinity Hall, Cambridge