Roger Townshend was the eldest son of Sir Richard Townshend (died 1551), esquire, of Brampton, Norfolk,[1] and Katherine Browne,[2] the daughter and coheir of Sir Humphrey Browne of Ridley Hall in Terling, Essex, Justice of the Common Pleas.

[3] After Richard Townshend's death in 1551, his widow, Katherine, married Peter Sainthill (d. 19 November 1571), whom she predeceased.

His inheritance comprised more than twenty manors near Raynham, Norfolk, and other property,[1] 'making him one of the wealthiest gentlemen in East Anglia'.

[7] After the 4th Duke's execution in 1572, Townshend continued to serve his son and heir, Philip Howard, 20th Earl of Arundel, who was still a minor at the time of his father's death.

[7] On another occasion, in June 1589, Arundel complained to William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, that his uncle, Lord Henry Howard, and some of Arundel's tenants were suffering from Townshend's zealousness and rigidity: "Sir Roger Townshend is so resolute to part with nothing more than he shall be by law enforced".

[7] Years later, however, Arundel was more appreciative of Townshend's service, in his last will terming him "my loving friend", and bequeathing him a "fair bowl with a cover of 30 ounces double gilt".

She died at her house in the Barbican on 3 January 1618, leaving a will dated 20 July 1617 which was proved by her grandson, Sir Roger Townshend, 1st Baronet, on 10 March 1618.