Skip to main content
Massachusetts State Seal
Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
Commonwealth Museum Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

The Townshend Acts

In 1767 British Chancellor of the Exchequer Charles Townshend proposed new taxes on the colonies on glass, lead, paint, paper and tea.

“

'It is impressed in the minds of the people that these Duties are a prelude to many more much heavier and that a Standing Army is to enforce Obedience and the Legislative power of the colonies to be taken away."  

– Thomas Hutchinson, October 1767

”

Champagne Charlie
 We imagine historical figures in a setting of dignified formality. British Chancellor of the Exchequer Charles Townshend (the equivalent of Treasury Secretary) did not always fit the mold. He earned the nickname "Champagne Charlie" after delivering a speech in Parliament while drunk. In addition to taxes on glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea, he also established an American Board of Customs Commissioners to crack down on smuggling. Boston would be its North American headquarters.

British Chancellor of the Exchequer Charles Townshend. Sir JOSHUA REYNOLDS
British Chancellor of the Exchequer Charles Townshend.  
- Sir Joshua Reynolds
Lt. Governor Thomas Hutchinson became the most unpopular figure in Britain's colonial government. Although supporting British policy, his reports could have accurate infornation about events and the colonial mood.
Lt. Governor Thomas Hutchinson became the most unpopular figure in Britain's colonial government. Although supporting British policy, his reports could have accurate infornation about events and the colonial mood.  
- Massachusetts State House Art Collection

For Richer For Poorer
Although apprehensive about the loss of revenue, and looming deficits, Charles Townshend accepted Parliament's vote to reduce taxes on the landed aristocracy. He would recoup some money by taxing the colonists to fund colonial administration and defense. The reaction in Boston was intense. Perhaps anticipating problems Lt. Governor Thomas Hutchinson wrote, "It has been a hard winter and many poor creatures suffered for want of work."

This image, in the window of a lower Washington Street building, marks the site of the Liberty Tree. Additional image description here.
Raynham Hall was the birthplace of Charles Townshend. His father held the title "Viscount" with a hereditary seat in the House of lords. Destined for a lift of privilege, Townshend made decisions that strained modest colonial finances.
- Tony Buckingham