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...
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Sir Frederic William Burton
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Sir Sidney Colvin
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Rotherhithe Picture Research Library
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Willesden Library
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William Alfred Westropp Foyle
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William Parrot
Co-Warden of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers in 1724.