Thomas Townshend was the first Viscount of Sydney and the City of Sydney is his most remarkable and enduring legacy to the world. The City of Sydney is named in the honor of Thomas Townshend.
Thomas Townshend was the second son of Turnip Townshend, by his first wife. Thomas Townshend was born on 2nd June 1701 and was educated at the Eton and King’s College, Cambridge. Thomas Townshend was the Minister of Parliament for Winchelsea in 1722-77, and for Cambridge University from 1727-1774. He was a prominent member of the Opposition as a member for Whitchurch in the House of Commons. He strongly voiced his opinion against the American war and was severely criticized on several occasions.
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Townshend was an important political figure during the 1780’s, which was an important decade as the cities of Australia, Canada and United States emerged during this period.
Thomas Townshend became the Home Secretary and Leader of the House of Commons when Lord Shelbourne became the Prime Minister. He was made the Baron Sydney and entered the House of Lords in 1783. On 26th January 1788, Philip named Sydney Cove in honor of Thomas Townshend Sydney and the settlement came to be known as Sydney Town. In the year 1789, Townshend was made the 1st Viscount of Sydney.
Thomas Townshend died at his home, Frognal House in the year 1800.
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