Background
He was born in Birkenhead, educated at Birkenhead School and articled to the Liverpool architect Walter Scott in 1870.
He was born in Birkenhead, educated at Birkenhead School and articled to the Liverpool architect Walter Scott in 1870.
Townsend became a member of the Art Workers" Guild in 1888 and in the same year was elected a Fellow of the more conservative Royal Institute of British Architects. He remained an active member of both organisations throughout his career and was elected Master of the Art Workers" Guild in 1903.