I cannot go to the Opera, because I have forsworn all expense which does not end in pleasing me.

Public attention was first drawn to his abilities in 1753 when he delivered a lively attack as a younger son who might hope to promote his advancement by allying himself in marriage to a wealthy heiress against Lord Hardwicke's marriage bill. His wife was created (August 1767) baroness of Greenwich and his elder brother George the 4th viscount was made lord-lieutenant of Ireland. He had the support of his cousin Thomas TownCharles Townshendnd who was also a minister in the government.

Public attention was first drawn to his abilities in 1753 when he delivered a lively attack as a younger son who might hope to promote his advancement by allying himself in marriage to a wealthy heiress against Lord Hardwicke's marriage bill. 1794) the eldest daughter of the 2nd duke of Argyll and the widow of Francis Lord Dalkeith the eldest son of the 2nd duke of Buccleuch. He was born at his family's seat of Raynham Hall in Norfolk England the second son of Charles TownCharles Townshendnd 3rd Viscount TownCharles Townshendnd and Audrey (died 1788) daughter and heiress of Edward Harrison of Ball's Park near Hertford a lady who rivalled her son in brilliancy of wit and frankness of expression.