Antiquary and collector.
Born Lancashire. Although he never married there are letters making it clear that this was not for lack of interest in the ladies. His collection of antiquaries was freely available for viewing and became renowned, being recommended in the Rough Guides of the day. There is a painting by Zoffany of Townley surrounded by his collection in the library at the house that he had built at what is now 14 Queen Anne's Gate. This is where he died. Much of his collection went to the, relatively new, British Museum, of which he had been a trustee.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Charles Townley
Commemorated ati
Charles Townley
Greater London Council Charles Townley, 1737 - 1805, antiquary and collector...
Other Subjects
William Alfred Westropp Foyle
Founded Foyles Bookshop in 1903. Born Shoreditch, the 7th child of a 7th child of a 7th child. William and brother Gilbert opened their first bookshop in Islington, moved to Peckham and then Ceci...
Sir Ashton Lever
Natural history collector. Born at the family seat near Manchester where he also died. His museum was at Leicester House on the northern side of Leicester Square and called the Holophusikon, or Hol...
J. Duff-Brown
Islington Librarian in 1906. We believe he also published books on librarianship.
Vestry House Museum
Located in Walthamstow. It was originally a workhouse and then a police station. It contains various items from the Victorian era to the 20th century. Its most famous exhibit is the first British m...